Anti-terror 'spy advert'banned by watchdog

The radio advert for the Anti-Terrorist Hotline listed "suspicious" behaviour worth reporting to the police as: "The man at the end of the street doesn't talk to his neighbours much, because he likes to keep himself to himself. He pays with cash because he doesn't have a bank card, and he keeps his curtains closed because his house is on a bus route."

It went on: "This may mean nothing, but together it could all add up to you having suspicions.

"We all have a role to play in combating terrorism. If you see anything suspicious call the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline... If you suspect it, report it."

The campaign by the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo) drew 18 complaints, including 10 from listeners who said it was offensive for encouraging people to report law-abiding citizens who acted in the ways described.

Others said it could encourage people to harass or victimise their neighbours and made an undue appeal to fear.

The Metropolitan Police (MP), on behalf of Acpo, said the advert addressed the issue that terrorists lived within communities, "and sometimes what appeared to be an insignificant behaviour could potentially be linked to terrorist activities".

The behaviour listed in the advert was based on trends identified by police and had been included in evidence given at recent terrorism trials.

Talksport, which broadcast the advert, said the script avoided stereotyping and made no appeals to prejudice.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) said : "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."