LONDON, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Scotland Yard police launched a radio and newspaper advertising campaign Wednesday to warn the public London could be targeted by Irish or Islamic extremist terrorists up to and during the Christmas holidays.
"This year, above all others in recent memory, it is apparent to everyone that London faces a range of terrorist threats," said David Veness, assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan Police.
His reference was to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, the war in Afghanistan and the Irish peace talks that have been sabotaged by dissident republican groups such as the breakaway Real IRA.
Police used newspapers ads and radio broadcasts in the capital to convey its "timely reminder" about the dangers of terrorism and the importance of being vigilant.
"It is vital that everyone is alert and reports anything suspicious to police," Veness said.
"We are especially keen to talk to owners of commercial and residential property, motor traders, landlords and hoteliers," said Deputy Assistant Commissioner Alan Fry, head of Scotland Yard's anti-terrorist branch.
"Terrorists need somewhere to live, somewhere to store their equipment, and they need vehicles to move around in," Fry said. "If you sell cars or let property and you have noticed something suspicious," he added in the public appeal, "please contact us."
Since June 2000, police have recorded at least eight terrorist attacks in London, ranging from attempts to blow up a bridge to bombs targeting trains, post offices and the British Broadcasting Corp. Most of these have been blamed on Irish republicans.
But the London Evening Standard quoted senior police sources as saying they believed the "most potent threat" at present comes from Islamic extremists angered over the setbacks in Afghanistan suffered by the Taliban regime and the al Qaida organization of accused terrorist leader Osama bin Laden.
"This is a very dangerous time," said one police source. "There is a perception that things are going well for the West a the moment in Afghanistan, and this is precisely the time that we need to remain vigilant."
