Places that make improvements to their security arrangements under the Government’s ‘Crowded Places’ Programme will be eligible to apply for a financial incentive.
Chief Inspector Paul Howell, from the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) is briefing insurance industry figures in London on the joint police, Home Office and Treasury initiative as been agreed with Pool Re insurers. From October it’ll be offered to those actively engaged in the Crowded Places Programme the chance to apply for a Loss Mitigation Credit (LMC).
The LMC applies to businesses and organisations putting in place mitigation measures and security improvements to protect public sites and venues from terrorist attack.
This means that if companies and organisations that own UK commercial sites across the UK actively engage in the Crowded Places programme, then they will now be eligible to apply for this financial incentive. Crowded places are defined as visitor attractions, shopping centres, sports stadia (pictured, Arsenal, the Emirates), bars, pubs and clubs.
In 2014 officers from NaCTSO developed and introduced an assessment tool – ‘Protective Security Improvement Activity’ – for sites to review their security arrangements against terrorism. That PSIA is the mechanism now being used to ensure a consistent, national and auditable approach by those engaged in the Crowded Places Programme.
Specialist Counter Terrorism Security Advisor in each police region, and the official NaCTSO (National Counter Terrorism Security Office) are already working with owners and operators across hundreds of sites to give practical to detect, deter or reduce the impacts of a terrorist attack.
National police lead for counter terrorism, Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said: “This scheme is an excellent example of the police and private sectors working closely together to keep people safe from the threat of terrorism. The Crowded Places scheme provides security improvements for businesses and their customers at their premises. It is a testament to its effect that they can benefit financially from reduced insurance costs.”
And Home Office Security Minister John Hayes said: “Under the Counter Terrorism Strategy, the Government works with the private sector to improve security arrangements at hundreds of busy locations across the UK. welcome this scheme, which will ensure that site owners who take appropriate steps to mitigate risks can be rewarded for their responsible action to keep the public safe.”
