Posted on 07/18/2007 6:40:15 PM PDT by blam
Plane spotters recruited for anti-terror work
By Paul Stokes
Last Updated: 9:09am BST 18/07/2007
Plane spotters are being recruited as police look-outs in the fight against terror attacks on Britain’s airports.
'Anoraks' can be eyes and ears for police
Detectives have called a meeting with the aircraft enthusiasts to discuss plans for their help in surveillance at Durham Tees Valley Airport.
The “anoraks” often occupy vantage points around the terminal building and are being considered as “extra eyes and ears” for security purposes.
Det Supt Neil Malkin, of Durham Police, said: “We have thought for some time the plane spotters may be a very useful source of information.
"They are at the site on a regular basis and could potentially be the first to spot any suspicious activity.
"This idea has worked in other areas and if there are sufficient numbers interested, it could be just as effective up here.”
The force stressed the idea was raised long before the recent attack at Glasgow airport’s terminal building using a blazing vehicle.
Plane spotters will meet police at the airport next week to consider introducing an Airport Watch scheme similar to one introduced at Bristol Airport.
Nicola Baines, Durham Tess Valley airport services manager said: “Such a scheme will allow the police and other agencies to share information more easily and effectively.”
Passengers using the airport, near Darlington, to head to Tenerife yesterday were less enthusiastic about the use of volunteers in the sensitive area of security.
Danielle Newport, 20, a call centre worker from Sunderland, said: “I can’t believe some geeks in bobble hats are supposed to protect us from hardened terrorists.
"The police might live to regret this because they’ll be getting hundreds of calls from the spotters.
"If terrorists have targeted a plane and you are on it there is nothing a plane spotter can do to help you. It’s a crackpot plan.”
David Mercer, 24, a tattoo artist, from Hetton-le-hole, Co Durham, who was awaiting a flight to Tenerife, said: “It’s stupid - what exactly is a plane spotter going to do?
"If that is our protection against terrorists then I am worried. The terrorists would never stop me flying but I would like to see more security at the airport.”
Steven Doherty, 38, a care worker from Glasgow, said: “It sounds a bit like desperate measures to me.
"What are we going to have - vigilante plane spotters attacking potential terrorists at airports?
"Realistically, if something is going to happen there is very little anything can be done to stop it. The only reason the attack failed at Glasgow airport was because the terrorists messed up - it wasn’t the police that stopped them.”
Ashok Kumar, Labour MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, said: “At first sight it seems a bit odd, but then we do have neighbourhood watch, and that does help the police in their work.
"However it can be no substitute for proper policing and tight and tough security from professionals, who know the kind of threat they and we could be up against.”
A Bristol International Airport spokesman said its Airport Watch was introduced in March and used many aviation enthusiasts who regular watched aircraft from around the perimeter.
He said the scheme is about making them aware what they should look out for and who to contact if they have any concerns.
Great idea. We need a return to the days of civilian defense i.e. WWII. From cyberterrorism to policing the border, citizens need to be brought into the fold. Clearly our governments cannot go it alone.
I love the idea of enlisting the help of civilians as eyes and ears and recommend it in this country as well, but whats with the brits obsession with “spotting” things?
I used to patrol the border on foot and by air when I lived there. carry a radio and call it in
Not done since WWII.
“It’s stupid - what exactly is a plane spotter going to do?”
Might be the ideal person to notice somebody with a SAM.
Clearly Danielle believes that her important job as a "call centre worker" gives her an elevated social status from which she can freely disparage "geeks in bobble hats"...
Good question. Many of them love bird-watching, train-spotting, or (now) aircraft-spotting. At least it gets them outdoors.
Ive never understood it L0L
Well, the animals I can comprehend, but trains and planes?
People who live for noticing and identifying small differences: How could they possibly help catch terrorists?
And badger watching. Don’t forget the badgers
Badger spotting eh?
Thats a new one on me.
It prolly a brit joke. Like camel spotting. ;0)
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American Badger
BTW the funniest Britcom I have seen since Python is “coupling” A truely hilarious show
Even a Cessna 150 will show up on radar, for heaven’s sake!
Hey, I guess these folks need tasking.
Im glad they are vigilant regardless
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