Crowded Places - Cinemas and Theatres
Terrorist attacks in the UK are a real and serious danger highlighted by the most recent attacks on crowded places in 2007.
It is possible that Cinemas or Theatres could be involved in a terrorist incident as they create a concentration of people, and are usually locations with limited protective security measures.
Cinema or Theatre staff may have to deal with a bomb threat or with suspect items left in or around your premises, in the worst case scenario your staff and guests could be killed or injured, and your premises destroyed or damaged in a ‘no warning’, multiple and co-ordinated terrorist attack.
This guide provides protective security advice to those who own, operate, manage or work within the Cinema or Theatre industry (2mb pdf). It aids those who are seeking to reduce the risk of a terrorist attack and limit the damage an attack might cause. It also highlights the vital part you can play in the UK counter terrorism strategy.
A number of organisations have adopted good practice to enhance the protective security
measures in and around their premises. This document identifies and complements such good practice measures.
It is worth remembering that measures you may consider for countering terrorism will also work against other threats, such as theft and burglary.
For site specific advice relating to Cinemas and Theatres contact your Counter Terrorism Security Adviser (CTSA) via your local police station.
