'Odd' person taking photos in London? Call the terrorist hotline.

[Stew]

The Metropolitan Police's latest great idea for combating terrorism is this campaign (PDF posters and the like). Yes, if you see someone 'a bit funny looking' taking photographs in London, then you should call the police. London, massive tourist destination for people from all over the world. Here's the main poster:



Boing Boing have had a go at it and this one deserves being shared:



Link to the guy's Flickr with more parody images.

Phone and report people who are taking photographs, what the Christ has happened to this country? Shannow and Potatojunkie (and any other photographer-types) take note, steer clear of London.

[Largest of Als]

Originally Posted by Stew

Shannow and Potatojunkie (and any other photographer-types) take note, steer clear of London.

Aye, but they probably SHOULD be reported...



Al

[Exit_W0unds]

I was stopped by 'security' in Clydebank shopping centre recently because I was taking a picture with my phone of a top in a shop window. I wasked the guy what the problem was and he pointed to a sandwich board which stated that no photography or recording is permitted at all without prior conscent from the head of centre security

what-the-fuck?

And back on topic, aye, that poster and campaign are a joke.

[Dario]

It appears as if the Metropolitan Police have simply decided that anyone who 'looks a bit shifty' deserves reporting: http://www.met.police.uk/campaigns/docs/postcard.pdf

"Terrorists need recruits: Do you know anyone whose behaviour has changed suddenly?
Terrorists need places to live: Are you suspicious of your tenant or neighbours?
Terrorists need transport: Has a vehicle sale or rental made you suspicious?
Terrorists need storage: Are you suspicious of someone renting commercial property?"

Gee, that isn't at all vague. "Thou shalt be suspicious" doesn't exactly strike me as a very wise commandment to live by.
Scaremongering, and promotion of mediocrity, both in one go? Great PR tactic. Wonderfully ambitious.

[hammertime]

Hmm... what if you changed the shutter sound on your camera to someone shouting "ALLAHU AKHBAR!" ?

How sweet would that be?