Redlands police have joined their colleagues across the state and country in responding to Australia's increased terror alert with heightened security measures both inside police stations and out in the community.
Since the terror alert was raised to high on September 12, police in the Redlands have been seen wearing vests and side arms at all times while on duty, including inside police stations.
However, South Brisbane District Acting Superintendant Bill Knowles was quick to reassure people that the heightened security measures did not mean a terror threat was imminent, but were designed to keep the community safe.
"This is an increase in police security arrangements in response to the general heightened security alert across the country," he said.
"Our intelligence has not suggested there are any specific threats that we need to be concerned of at this stage."
Act. Supt Knowles said people should be "vigilant, but not scared" in the current climate and if they saw anything suspicious, they should report it to police.
Capalaba Police Station officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Andrew Gillies said local police had reassesed "priority sites" (sites that were considered a potential target) in the Redlands, with several sites being added to the list.
"These sites are being visited individually on a regular basis, ensuring they are safe and there is no problem," he said.
Snr Sgt Gillies said the heightened security measures meant people in the Redlands would also see increased police patrols, more vehicles intercepted, a greater police presence in places where there were mass gatherings and more people undergoing pat downs when stopped by police.
He said it was important for people "to not panic, but be vigilant".
"If they see something that is not quite right, they should phone the police and let us do our job," he said.
"If they see a person they think is acting suspiciously in terms of terrorism or crime, they should keep an eye on them, stay away from them, give us a call and let us handle it."
Act. Supt Knowles said while people would see an increased police presence in Brisbane in the lead-up to and during the G20, it would be "business as usual" in the Redlands.
Editorial Our community needs to be vigilant
