POLICE are warning Blackpool shoppers to be on their guard against terrorism during the run up to Christmas.

The move, also aimed at raising the awareness of business owners so they can take steps to counter the threat of terrorist activity, was launched as part of the police pre-Christmas crime prevention campaign.

Posters will be displayed showing the measures people can take to secure their property, maximise personal safety and reduce opportunities for crime.

Incendiary devices tend to be simple in construction and operation, often containing common household items. They are likely to be carefully hidden and may well be disguised as something innocuous.

It could be a cigarette packet discarded in a waste bin, in a suitcase at a railway station or an airport lounge, in a carrier bag left in a shop or inside a briefcase left in an office. Deputy Chief Constable Paul Stephenson said: "Good crime prevention measures form the basis for good counter terrorist crime crime prevention but it is important to keep the threat in perspective.

"Terrorist incidents in Great Britain are far from commonplace but when they do occur they attract considerable publicity. But, more than that, acts of terrorism cause injury, death and damage.

"It must be understood that moving, opening or tampering in any way with a suspect device could cause it to explode or ignite. Investigation and disposal of explosive and incendiary devices is a job for an expert."

IF you discover an object which you think is a device it is imperative that you seek assistance as soon as possible by calling the police.