Sydney Trains boss Howard Collins warns Sydneysiders must be vigilant to ward off attack

EXCLUSIVE: The boss of Sydney’s train network has warned of a “low-tech” London-style terrorist attack happening here, saying we live in an age where “mundane objects have become weapons”.

Emergency services at the scene outside the Palace of Westminster, London.

THE boss of Sydney’s train network has warned of the dangers of a “low-tech” London-style terrorist attack happening here, saying we live in an age where “even the most mundane objects have become weapons”.

Sydney Trains chief executive Howard Collins, the boss of the London Underground during the 2005 Tube bombings, took the unusual step of speaking out about the threat facing Sydney, saying: “While we constantly plan for the worst, we must also be realistic.

“In an environment where even the most mundane objects of daily life have become weapons, we must ensure society continues to become more and more vigilant to potential dangers.

“In a world where high-profile attacks are becoming the norm, it is important we become more attuned to what represents a risk.”

Sydney Trains boss Howard Collins says Sydney authorities are as prepared as possible for a terror attack.

His comments came as NSW Counter-Terrorism Minister David Elliott said families must play a greater role in the fight against terror by warning police about signs of potential radicalisation.

“The issue of radicalisation, particularly of young people, is a very complex one. It is the mothers, brothers, friends and others who are most likely to see concerning changes in behaviour of someone they know, and can help them before a police response is required,” Mr Elliott said.

“While we cannot eliminate entirely the risk of terrorism, any more than we can eliminate the risk of any serious crime, we can mitigate it.”

Emergency services at the scene outside the Palace of Westminster, London.

Security is expected to be stepped up at a series of major events in Sydney, including Tuesday’s Socceroos match at Allianz Stadium and next month’s Anzac Day commemorations.

The terror threat level remains at “probable”.

Mr Collins, who was awarded an OBE for his role running and safeguarding the Tube during the 2012 Olympics, said Sydney’s authorities are as prepared as possible for an attack following last week’s atrocity in London.

Islamic extremist Khalid Masood drove a car into pedestrians, killing four and injuring dozens on Westminster Bridge before murdering a police officer.

A German-born South Australian resident was hurt.

People rush to the aid of one of the victims of the attack.

It came just months after Islamic terrorists used trucks to plough into a Christmas market in Berlin and Bastille Day revellers in Nice.

Mr Collins described the “simplistic brutality” of last week’s “terror attack on Britain” as “both shocking and frightening”.

He said the “low-tech nature” of Masood’s atrocities has caused “those of us in a position of responsibility to pause for thought about how best to safeguard the lives we are entrusted with”.

“It is inevitable questions will now be asked closer to home about what is being done to keep us safe in Australia,” he added.

“While our trains and stations are some of the busiest in Australia, we have worked hard to ensure we are not a so-called ‘soft target’ when it comes to security, utilising lessons from across the world and capitalising of technology to keep our customers and staff safe,” he said.