Heightened security through extra police, more cameras and vigilance at public venues has brought terrorist concerns right to the heart of the Redlands.
These have become dangerous times and while we cannot relent in the fight against terrorism and those who would do us and our community harm, everyone in this city must remain alert, but not alarmed.
The violent death of a teenager in Melbourne last week after he attacked and injured two police officers is believed to be a lone-wolf incident undertaken under the flag of the Islamic State that murderously is sweeping across Syria and Iraq.
These isolated, lone-wolf incidents, which have also occurred in the US, are the dangerous kind. They are unheralded, random, erratic and designed to bring outrage and fear to our community.
While lone-wolf attacks are concerning, we also cannot take our eye off the threat of a major incident occurring in any community in our country.
With the approach of the G20 conference in Brisbane in November, we can all expect heightened security. Already security has been tightened at all police stations in the Redlands. Security cameras are working overtime at our popular and public venues.
Police have indicated they have identified points of interest in the south east and are raising their patrols and profile at these places.
Similarly, public transport is also an area where the travelling public can expect a more prominent police presence.
And we can expect more.
Local police are wearing their weapons and protective equipment at all times, even in police stations. People in the community will see more police on the streets.
We can expect to be stopped randomly and even undergo “pat down” searches.
The message is simple . . . be vigilant, but not scared and most importantly cooperate with police, who are simply doing their job in protecting our community.
These measures are precautionary only, but necessary in the wake of constantly changing and threatening world events.
Here everyone in the community has a responsibility to play an important role. If you see anything or anyone acting suspiciously, tell the police.
Keep an eye on these people and once you’ve informed police, let them do what they have been expertly trained to do.
