A ‘community security zone’ has been set up in Clapham Junction because of its potential attractiveness as a terrorism target.

Forty businesses around the Battersea station, which is one of the busiest in Europe, have signed up to the security zone which involves engagement with the police, talk of contingencies and sharing intelligence.

The Metropolitan Police Service defines a community security zone as: “A defined area centred on a crowded place, or another potentially vulnerable area, which may prove attractive for a target.”

As part of the Met’s counter-terrorism awareness week Wandsworth police officers have been talking to businesses, distributing counter-terrorism advice and patrolling town centres across the borough.

The Met has been carrying out similar work across the capital to encourage venues to step up their security and train staff. Police are encouraging people to be vigilant in crowded places and at transport hubs.

Wandsworth Times:

Wandsworth Borough Commander, Chief Superintendent Richard Smith, said: “We are committed to do all we can to keep Wandsworth’s communities safe from all types of criminality and we work closely with local businesses, partner agencies and the local community to ensure that Wandsworth remains among the safest places in inner London.

“Neighbourhood officers support a range of crime prevention initiatives, providing advice to local businesses and residents on how best to reduce crime in their area.

“Members of the public are often the first to notice anything suspicious or unusual in their local area and I urge everyone in Wandsworth to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police.”

The UK’s terror threat level remains “severe” after it was upped from “substantial” in August in response to conflicts in Iraq and Syria.