IPC International Corporation

When Britain last month raised its terror threat level from "substantial" to "severe," reporters at BBC Radio and the U.K.'s Newcastle-based Evening Chronicle newspaper sought advice from Mark Partridge, CEO of IPC Security, a subsidiary of IPC International, on what the raised threat level meant to businesses and the community.

"There is no reason to panic... but there is every reason to be vigilant," Partridge told reporters. He also noted that everyone needs to increase awareness, not just major metropolitan areas. "Attacks do not just happen in London."

A severe threat level, the U.K.'s second highest security level, means an attack is "highly likely" but not imminent.

Partridge added that local businesses need to consider taking extra measures for protection as well, including monitoring visitors more closely, looking out for suspicious packages and having an emergency plan in place. He also emphasized the importance of observing and reporting suspicious activities to prevent terror attacks before they happen. "It is about looking at the behavior patterns and spotting things that are abnormal."

In both the U.K. and the U.S., IPC trains its officers in measures like these to ensure that the officers are on heightened awareness, always looking out for suspicious activity. If suspicious activity is noticed, officers contact local law enforcement so that any potential situations can be dealt with safely.

Russ Collett, COO IPC International, commented on the matter, "I commend Mark Patridge for his leadership and the strong relationships he and the folks at IPC Security built with their U.K. public and private sector partners."

"In the U.S., IPC has leveraged relationships at all levels of local, state, and federal law enforcement, along with the nationwide FBI Joint Terrorism Task Forces and the DHS Statewide Fusion Centers. These partnerships provide our company with timely and credible information on the evolving threat. We can then share actionable intelligence and plan and execute effective security strategy at all the properties we serve on both sides of the pond," Collett added.

"Regardless of the nation's threat level, businesses need to provide a safe environment for employees and patrons," Partridge said. "In good times or bad, protecting assets and people, ensuring their safe experience in the facility, is essential."

To read the Evening Chronicle article, click here.