Police encouraged with public response to threat letters

Police have been encouraged by the public’s response to requests for information that could lead to finding the people responsible for the recent threat letters said Assistant Commissioner Jon White, Head of Police Counter Terrorism.

&#34We have received over 150 calls to our 0800 THREAT line and information from other sources,&#34 said Mr White.

&#34The calls have involved information on suspicious activity, suspicious people and general suggestions on what we might do in the investigation. Some legitimate users of cyanide have also been keen to share with us details of cyanide stocks and to discuss security of the product.

&#34The investigation team is working on this information but, as yet, have been unable to identify the people responsible.

&#34We’re particularly interested in any information directly relating to the letters and who may have written or posted them and where they were posted. Any such information will be treated with strictest confidence.

&#34Let’s not forget that a terrorist act has already been committed by the writer or writers of this letter. The offender or offenders need to be stopped from writing further threats or worse still acting in any way on those threats.&#34

Mr White said that the 0800THREAT line was a tip line and that anyone wanting to report information of a more immediate nature -- such as suspicious activity -- should call 111 or their local police station, rather than the information line.

The announcement on Monday of the latest threats sent to the NZ Herald, has resulted in a further heightening of awareness for the need for vigilance and security measures taken, particularly by those agencies and organisations targeted in the most recent letter.

Mr White said while the uncertain nature of the international environment over the situation in Iraq continues it will help to remind everyone to maintain their vigilance.

&#34My advice to the public remains unchanged from that given previously. Go about your normal business, be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the Police.&#34

He urged people to report suspicious activities to the Police, using 111 if urgent, and to provide any specific information relating to the investigation into the recent threats by contacting the freephone number 0800THREAT - 0800 847328.