Officers from Ealing are taking part in a major pan-London operation to increase awareness of security and counter terrorism policing in London.

The initiative - known as Operation Penna - is the second operation of its kind run by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS). The first operation was held in December 2012 and involved co-ordinated activity focussed on reminding the public, as well as police officers and staff, of the vital role they can play in protecting London from terrorism.

Activity will be taking place across all 32 boroughs between 13 - 24 January 2014 and includes high visibility patrols around crowded places such as shopping centres and transport hubs. There will be briefings to businesses explaining the ongoing threat from terrorism and what they can do to protect themselves.

Officers from Ealing will carry out high visibility security patrols around the Ealing Broadway area on various days throughout the operation period.

The operation is being co-ordinated by the Counter Terrorism Protective Security Command (SO20) in partnership with local policing colleagues across the MPS.

Commander Richard Morris, 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."

"We want to build on our engagement with communities and businesses in a variety of ways to counter the threat from terrorism. Our aim is to raise awareness and improve protection from a terrorist attack and other crimes."

"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."

Ealing Acting Borough Commander Nev Nolan said: "Local officers are an integral part of the way the MPS responds to the threat from terrorism whether it is by deterring those who may involved in terrorist activity through high visibility patrols or briefing businesses on how to protect their premises from attack."

"Operation Penna builds on our engagement with communities and businesses in a variety of ways to counter the threat from terrorism and improve the protection offered to local businesses from a terrorist attack."

Anyone who has any information about unusual activity or behaviour should contact the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.

In the event of an emergency always dial 999.