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Report suspicious activity and behaviour to tackle terrorism

With the coronavirus pandemic changing all of our day-to-day routines, it is understandable that the risk of terrorism hasn’t necessarily been front of mind across the country.

Despite lockdown restrictions being introduced, there will still be busy and potentially crowded places across the UK as some places remain open in our communities. The recent terror attacks in Europe and the recent change in the UK’s terrorism threat level to severe are reminders of how important it is to stay vigilant and report any concerns to police immediately, wherever you are.

TRS Training urges the public to help the police tackle terrorism and save lives by reporting suspicious behaviour and activity.

Even against the current backdrop of lockdowns and the pandemic, it is now as important as ever that everyone plays their part in tackling terrorism. Your actions could save lives.

Don’t worry about wasting police time. No call or click will be ignored. What you tell the police is treated in the strictest confidence and is thoroughly researched by experienced officers before, and if, any police action is taken.

Any piece of information could be significant. It is better to be safe and report. Remember, trust your instincts and ACT. Action Counters Terrorism.

How can I report?

Reporting is quick and easy. You can report in confidence online via www.gov.uk/ACT. Alternatively, you can call the police confidentially on 0800 789 321.

All reports are kept confidential, and you can report anonymously.

In an emergency, always call 999.

What should I report?

Like other criminals, terrorists need to plan. You can report suspicious activity or behaviour – anything that seems out of place, unusual or doesn’t seem to fit in with everyday life.

Watch the ACT film to learn more

Potential terrorist-related suspicious activity or behaviour

Here are some examples of potentially suspicious activity:

  • Meetings, training and planning, can take place anywhere. Do you know someone who travels but is vague about where they’re going?
  • Do you know someone with passports or other documents in different names, for no apparent reason?
  • Do you know someone who looks at extremist material or shares and creates content that promotes or glorifies terrorism?
  • Have you noticed someone embracing or actively promoting hateful ideas or extremist views?
  • Suspicious materials can be ordered online as well as in-store. Have you noticed someone receiving deliveries for unusual items bought online?
  • If you work in commercial vehicle hire or sales, has a sale or rental seemed unusual?
  • Have you noticed someone buying large or unusual quantities of chemicals, fertilisers or gas cylinders for no apparent reason?
  • Have you noticed someone acquiring illegal firearms or other weapons or showing an interest in obtaining them?
  • Terrorists need to store equipment while preparing for an attack. Have you noticed anyone storing large amounts of chemicals, fertilisers or gas cylinders for no reason?
  • Have you noticed anyone storing illegal firearms or objects that could potentially be weapons?
  • Observation and surveillance help terrorists plan attacks. Have you witnessed anyone taking pictures or notes of security arrangements or CCTV?
  • Cheque and credit card fraud are ways of generating cash. Have you noticed any suspicious or unusual bank transactions?

If you’d like more information or resources, visit www.gov.uk/ACT or follow Counter Terrorism Policing on social media:

Source: ACT website