Dissident republicans are using hoax bomb-scares as training and information gathering exercises for young recruits.

Last Thursday the Whiterock Road was cordoned off after a hoax device was discovered near the local leisure centre. Three days earlier a similar incident occurred on Ardcaoin Avenue in Poleglass when devices were discovered attached to lampposts.

In both cases the suspected bombs were declared hoaxes after being examined by British army bomb disposal squads.

Locals were mystified as to the reasoning behind the bomb scares. However, the Andersonstown News has learned dissident republicans are using them to train young recruits in surveillance and information gathering techniques.

“It’s an age old trick,” said one well-placed source.

“Dissidents are using the hoaxes to clock the faces of PSNI officers and British soldiers, and to see how many respond to emergency calls, what set-up and patterns they adopt and with what security precautions. The IRA always used every opportunity to gather information. The dissidents are doing exactly the same.”

Earlier this month PSNI officers in West Belfast were warned to increase their personal security after the dissident republican murders of two British soldiers and a police officer.

An internal PSNI document, leaked to the Andersonstown News, advised officers and staff to “be aware of their personal security at this time of increased threat”.

It read: “Avoid setting patterns and be aware of your surroundings, especially when travelling to and from work. Vehicles should also be checked prior to use.

“There is no specific threat to any individual or location at this time. Please brief any staff under your command of this message. Any inquiries should be directed to the Intel Unit.”