Workshops held to protect Surrey hotels from terrorism

Hotel managers to learn how to plan, prepare and recover from a possible terrorist attack

A series of multi-media workshops are being held across England to protect Surrey hotels from the threat of terrorism.

Project ARGUS is the name given to the series of workshops being held,  where local businesses are placed in the midst of a simulated terrorist attack as a multi-media experience and learn how to plan, prepare and recover from a possible terrorist attack.

While there is no known specific terrorist threat to Surrey at the current time, it is in close proximity to London and the ongoing national threat remains unchanged at 'severe'.

World wide hotels are seen as an attractive and soft target for terrorists with a number of high profile attacks in recent years and are crowded places, often with little or no protective security measures.

Surrey Police is working with general/duty managers, chief engineers, restaurant managers, housekeeping managers and their deputies to help them minimise the risk of an attack which can come at any time and to keep their customers and premises safe.

The workshops are being organised by Surrey Police and the National Counter Terrorism Security Office with the support of partners.

Bob Stephens, Head of Surrey Police’s Counter Terrorism Security Office, said: "This workshop has been specially designed to help hotel managers whose premises are subject to particular risks and it will help them be prepared."

"Project ARGUS is an excellent opportunity to judge how well prepared is your business, increase your knowledge of terrorist issues, compare notes with other local hoteliers, or just a chance for you and selected staff to experience a well-run security exercise."

Further information:
Surrey Police