Anti-terrorist Hotline Ad Banned

An advertising watchdog has banned a radio advert, in its current form, encouraging listeners to report suspected terrorists.

The advert, promoting the anti-terrorist hotline, highlights "suspicious" behaviour to look out for from neighbours, including keeping curtains drawn and paying in cash.

The advert continues: "This may mean nothing but together it could all add up to you having suspicions."

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruled that the advert could cause "serious offence" to law-abiding citizens.

After the ad had been broadcast on Talksport, 18 listeners complained to the watchdog.

The complaints included concerns over the ad encouraging people to harass or victimise their neighbours by appealing to people's fear.

The campaign by the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo) ends with: "If you suspect it, report it."

Speaking on Acpo's behalf, the Metropolitan Police, said the advert addressed the issue of terrorists living in communities "and sometimes what appeared to be an insignificant behaviour could potentially be linked to terrorist activities".

But the ASA concluded: "We considered that some listeners, who might identify with the behaviours referred to in the ad, could find the implication that their behaviour was suspicious, offensive.

"We also considered that some listeners might be offended by the suggestion that they report members of their community for acting in the way described.

"We therefore concluded that the ad could cause serious offence."

Moreover, the watchdog found the advert did not sensationalise nor encourage victimisation.

(BMcN/Gk)