On 2nd May 2019, Thursday, religious leaders from across the borough attended an inter-faith event at the Harrow Civic Centre hosted by Harrow Safer Neighbourhood Police team, in a bid to raise awareness on how to keep places of worship safe in Harrow.
Police organised the event to highlight their commitment to safety as a number one priority for the community – following on from two Hindu temple burglaries in November 2018 in Harrow and Brent and hate crime incidents at the London Ayyppan Temple in Harrow, as well as the recent terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka and Christchurch, New Zealand. Speakers included the Police, the Council and members of the Community Security Trust – a charity that provides security advice and training for Jewish organisations, schools and synagogues.
“Terrorism is an act – it doesn’t have a race or a religion. Terrorists are just like criminals, in that they will need to plan an attack. That is why it is critical that people are aware of suspicious behaviour and how to identify it and report it. Everyone knows what’s normal for their community, so if you spot anything at all that feels unfamiliar or doesn’t feel right – please report it and dial 999, as your instincts could save lives,” said Police Constable Chris Peel.
The seminar surrounded a discussion around concepts of tailgating, evacuation, invacuation, hostile reconnaissance and anonymous reporting of suspicious activities or people. Apart from the interactive Question & Answer session, there were also explanatory videos, and educative presentations around security of properties and sites. However, politicisation of such heinous crimes was not allowed even in form of debate when concerned members of the public raised questions about the government and the opposition's drawbacks in ensuring safer neighbourhoods.
“We rely on members of the community to be our eyes and ears and many times, their calls have been a vital lead for us. Everyone needs to be aware of how to spot suspicious behaviour and a whole community working together is exceptionally strong,” said Inspector Tanya Sprunks, in charge of Harrow Neighbourhoods.
Talks also included about creation of a culture of security and keeping religious premises safe, counter terrorism and how to deal with hate crime and prevention from burglary.
“It’s my vision that every single mosque, synagogue, church and temple in Harrow works together to share information and knowledge, so that we are all aiming for the same goal together in tackling these complex issues,” concluded Lead Member for Crime and Community Safety, Councillor Krishna Suresh.
