Police have issued the latest counter-terrorism advice for people hosting a party for the Queen’s platinum jubilee in Gloucestershire next weekend.
The UK is having a four-day bank holiday weekend at the beginning of June, for Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee which will celebrate her 70th year as monarch.
And communities across Gloucestershire will be doing their own bit to pay tribute with services at Gloucester Cathedral, street parties and tea parties. And police have issued the latest advice to celebrate safely.
Gloucestershire Constabulary officers are promoting messages to help people enjoy their post-lockdown live music and Platinum Jubilee events safely this summer.
Whilst there is no intelligence to indicate an increased threat to festivals or events, the force is urging the public to follow and share safety advice.
“The best advice is always the most simple, we want people to trust their instincts and report anything that doesn’t feel right. It’s also important to respect security measures that might be in place, and do a little bit of research about personal safety,” a spokesperson said.
Their advice for anyone attending an event this summer is:
- Arrive early for extra security measures. This will help prevent delays in getting into the event.
- Be patient with security checks and don’t give security, staff or stewards a hard time. It might seem inconvenient, but these measures are in place to help you.
- It is essential that you don’t bring unnecessary items to the event; this will help to speed up searches and your entry to the event.
- If you spot something that doesn’t feel right, report it to police or to security staff immediately: don’t leave it to someone else.
- If you see something on social media that concerns you, report it.
- In an emergency, if you think there is an immediate risk, always call 999 and look around you for help from staff – especially those with radios who can raise the alarm quickly.
- Don’t leave bags unattended or anywhere they could cause a security scare. And never agree to look after anyone else’s bags, no matter how genuine they seem.
- If there is an incident, listen to staff and any announcements.
- Remember, the chance of being caught in a terrorism incident is small. But if it happens – Run, Hide, Tell.
More information on what to look out for can be found here.
If you see or hear something that doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and ACT. Report it in confidence here. You will not be wasting our time. Your actions could save lives.
By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter