I was in London last weekend and noticed increased security around the American Embassy in Grosvenor Square.
Applicants for a US visa have, for some time, had to queue outside in all weathers and pass a military-style checkpoint booth.
It appears that they are then advised that they cannot take their mobile phones into the building.
Coming home on the train I read the following in "Metro", the free newspaper:
TERROR THREAT GETS A CASH TILL RINGING
It's an ill wind that blows no good - as a chemist proved by turning the war on terror into a money spinner.
Alpesh Patel's Gould Pharmacy, in London's Mayfair, is cashing in on a ban on electrical gadgets, such as mobile phones, from the nearby US embassy.
The measure, to cut the risk of a terror attack, has left thousands of visa applicants needing a place to leave thir gizmos. And Mr Patel, 40, is looking after items for £10 a time.
He has taken on staff to cope with 100 customers a day - who could bring in about £250,000 a year.
Mr Patel said: "It involves quite a lot of work. We keep the belongings in a secure area and have people watching over them".
