Police launched a major new counter-terrorism  initiative across London today to increase awareness of their security and counter-terrorism work.

Operation Griffin, run jointly by the Metropolitan Police, British Transport Police and City of London Police, is a week-long awareness-raising project aimed at reminding the public of the role they can play in protecting the capital.

Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) operations and high-visibility patrols around crowded places like shopping centres and transport hubs will be taking place in every borough.

Workers will also be briefed on how to best protect their businesses from terrorism.

Commander Simon Bray, from Specialist Operations, said: “Everyone has a role to play in keeping London safe from terrorism. This operation sees specialist officers working closely with neighbourhood officers and communities raising awareness of security in London.”

He added: “The threat to London from terrorism remains real and serious, so we encourage the public to remain vigilant and alert and to report anything suspicious to police.”

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Thomas of British Transport Police said: “BTP uses a wide range of tactics as part of its counter-terrorism activity and has vast experience in dealing with such threats.

“It is vitally important that we do not get complacent, and the vigilance of passengers and staff remains a crucial element. With more than six million people travelling every day, we have millions of eyes and ears across the whole system - a surveillance resource second to none.”

Anyone who has any information about unusual activity or behaviour should contact the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321. In an emergency always dial 999.