Authorities warned of possible terrorist attacks during the Christmas holiday season and urged the populace to be vigilant in its awareness of suspicious parcels or activity. The cause for alarm was a report in November that security services had foiled a bombing planned for central London by the Real IRA, a militant splinter group of the IRA. The IRA is currently honoring a cease-fire and participating in the Northern Ireland peace process, but splinter groups opposed to the peace remain a threat. Do your part and keep an eye out for abandoned parcels or bags, and report them if you see them.