The following information can help property managers, citizens, and GardaWorld security guards anticipate a potential terrorist strike and initiate actions to alert the authorities and/or to deter the attack or at least mitigate its effects.

A teen has just been charged for a potential attack at Oakwood Collegiate Institute to coincide with the anniversary of the massacre at École Polytechnique in Montreal. Such event increases concern for further terrorist activity in Canada.

The following information can help property managers, citizens, and GardaWorld security guards anticipate a potential terrorist strike and initiate actions to alert the authorities and/or to deter the attack or at least mitigate its effects. Active-shooter incidents can happen at any given time, anywhere, and GardaWorld security professionals are trained to know how to react and adjust swiftly to help shield as many people as possible from harm.

The Colorado Information Analysis Centre advises that there are at least 8 signs that a terrorist attack is either being planned for your premises or that it is imminent:

• Surveillance: Observing targeted properties with the collaboration of unlicensed street vendors, such as flower or food sellers.

• Elicitation: Chatting up or questioning employees, tenants and security.

• Probing: Leaving bags in common areas, trespassing into restricted areas, setting off alarms, etc.

• Fund raising: Sometimes accomplished through illicit means such as burglary, drug sales etc.

• Acquisition of supplies: Weapons, ammunition, explosives, vehicles and communications equipment.

• Suspicious persons: Impersonators and/or the same person appears on site wearing different disguises.

• Rehearsals: Activities that appear to be a rehearsal for a potential attack.

• Deployment: Arranging assets and getting into position.

If you believe that your organization is being targeted by terrorists, alert your local police immediately and contact a GardaWorld representative. She or he will be able to arrange for a threat risk assessment and/or physical security review.