DORSET is being made ‘terrorist aware’ this week.

Dorset Police’s National Counter Terrorism Awareness Week will seek to raise awareness and give people the confidence to report suspicious behaviour.

Starting today, every police force in the UK will be involved in promoting awareness of terrorism in their area and engaging with their communities to make them mindful of reporting suspicious behaviour.

Following the raising of the terror threat in the UK to severe in August, officers say reports of suspicious behaviour have nearly doubled and every report is investigated. There will be a series of mobile roadshows around Dorset, focusing on key issues such as: how businesses and the public can prevent terrorism; vigilance in crowded places and transport hubs; preventing violent extremism; cutting off terrorist financing; and preventing access to tools that terrorists need to operate.

Officers are reassuring the public that the week is not in response to any specific threat, but is designed to make it harder for terrorists to attack the UK.

The events have been planned in partnership with the Dorset Race Equality Council and representatives for Bournemouth Islamic Centre. Dorset Police said members of the Muslim communities have been invited to join the event to help promote the concerns and feelings of their community in addition to the awareness campaign for these sensitive issues.

Chief Superintendent Jane Newall, said that following the increase in the terrorism threat level, there was an important role for communities in keeping the UK safe.

She added that although they were aware of a ‘very few individuals’ of concern, there was ‘no indication’ of any specific threat to Dorset.

She said: “This is a National Awareness Week designed to promote awareness in our communities and not to alarm the public.

“The terror level increase refers to the whole country, and not Dorset specifically.”

She added: “I would like to reassure the communities of Dorset that we live in a safe county. If you know or suspect anything suspicious please call The Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321. Your information could save lives.”