With pic – Jenny Thompson, Operations and Marketing Manager at the Riviera International Centre welcomes Kevin Bowen, Counter Terrorism Security Advisor

South Devon businesses need to plan for a potential terrorism attack and be aware of potential risks.

That’s according to Kevin Bowen Counter Terrorism Security Advisor for Devon and Cornwall Police.

In a speech to businesses at a regular breakfast meeting held at Torquay’s Riviera International Centre, he said all businesses should be aware of the issue and potential problems and always be vigilant as any area has the potential to be the focus of a terrorism attack if people don’t question or challenge suspicious behaviour.

He explained: “Be prepared to challenge that person who is acting suspiciously and have a plan for the worst case scenario. It might not be your business which is immediately affected but it could be someone you do business with.

“If businesses plan and prepare, they will have more chance of surviving any attack.”
He added: “People need to know the sorts of targets that could be looked at such as crowded places – these could be stadiums, shopping centres anywhere where there is a congregation of people.

“People need to sit up and take notice there is a possibility and be prepared to report any suspicious activity.”

The risk could be to a business which is based near to an iconic site or next to a major tourist attraction and Kevin says businesses need to be aware they may be vulnerable and test their plans out to see if they are resilient.

He added: “I don’t want to worry people. I live here in the South West and I love it down here. I want it to be maintained the way it is but we need to be vigilant”