Terrorist groups around the world have for many years’ misused fertilisers to make improvised explosive devices (IEDs), the majority of which have contained Ammonium Nitrate based products. Other fertilisers such as Urea, Potassium and Sodium Nitrates have also been utilised.
Many of the most notorious terrorist attacks of the last 15 years from Oklahoma City to Omagh were carried out using fertiliser based explosive devices.
Individuals and groups continue to aspire to attack the UK and many of them resorted to the use of IEDs to achieve their aims. Over 90% of terrorist attacks in the UK have used Home Made Explosives (HMEs).
Relatively small quantities of ammonium nitrate fertiliser based explosives can cause a great deal of destruction. Some of the smaller devices (less than 50 kg) have caused fatalities, injuries and substantial damage, so it can be seen that security is crucial at all levels of storage.
In the UK a robust security regime that is applied to commercial and military explosives means that terrorists have been forced to either make their own or to smuggle them in from abroad.
The UK currently manufactures or imports around 4 million tonnes of Ammonium Nitrate and Ammonium Nitrate based fertiliser annually. This means that the blending, storage, transportation and use of fertiliser is common place creating opportunities for potential terrorists to acquire such material.
At this time of year, particularly when large amounts of fertiliser are being delivered to farmers and growers across the UK, anyone who handles or stores fertiliser should consider its’ security to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands.
Regardless of how much fertiliser you store it is important that you consider measures to prevent it from being acquired and misused by potential terrorists.
The National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) together with the Home Office, Agricultural Industries Confederation (Fertiliser Industry Assurance Scheme), Assured Food Standards (Red Tractor), Defra, HSE and the NFU has produced a new ‘Fertiliser Security Five Point Plan’. (This new plan replaces and consolidates the information contained in the previous ‘Ten Point Plan’).
Launched in Lincolnshire today (28th November), the new ‘Fertiliser Security Five Point Plan’ highlights five key areas for farmers and growers to follow when using and storing Nitrogen based fertilisers and takes into account your requirements under the Control of Explosives Precursors Regulations 2014 to report any suspicious transactions, loss or thefts of Ammonium Nitrate, Potassium Nitrate, Sodium Nitrate, and Calcium Nitrates immediately to the Police.
The key objective is to prevent your fertiliser being stolen in the first instance. Whilst there is no such thing as absolute security, there are many simple measures that can significantly reduce the likelihood of a theft. Storing your fertiliser in an enclosed secure building or covering fertiliser with a tarpaulin in an open-sided barn may seem basic, but can be effective.
For practical, cost effective advice regarding the security of fertilisers visit: www.secureyourfertiliser.gov.uk
This website aims to raise awareness amongst the agricultural and horticultural communities to provide practical guidance about securing your fertiliser with a range of security measures that can be tailored to your individual farming needs. It is recommended that farms adopt a balanced mix of integrated security measures incorporating a combination of both physical security and supporting procedures.
Recent global events have raised the UK Threat level from International terrorism to ‘Severe – An attack is highly likely’.
It is hoped that by following this advice we will prevent and restrict the availability of nitrate based fertilisers for use by terrorist groups within the UK. We all have a role to play to help prevent terrorism, if you think someone is acting suspiciously around your farm try to make a note of the descriptions of vehicles and persons involved and contact your local Police or the Anti-Terrorist hotline 0800 789 321. If you Suspect it – Report it. In an emergency always dial 999.
Is Your fertiliser secure?
From left – Tony Day – East Midlands Special Operations Unit, Simon Williams – Agricultural Industries Confederation (FIAS) Technical Manager, Peter Davies – Assistant Chief Constable, Lincolnshire Police, Minette Batters – Deputy President NFU, Jonathan Brant – NFU Council Delegate Lincs, Sarah Dawson – Assured Foods Standards (Red Tractor,Adrian Parker – Lincolnshire Police, Chris Godson – Lincolnshire NFU County Chairman, Jo Gilbertson – AIC Fertiliser Sector Lead
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