The threat from terrorism is real and serious. We play a key role in protecting the UK, but communities defeat terrorism and we need help and support from you.

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What can I do as someone who lives or works in the East Midlands?

Communities defeat terrorism. We need the help and support of individuals, businesses and communities across the region to remain alert and maintain the safety and security of those places in which we live, work and socialise. If you see or hear something unusual or suspicious, trust your instincts and ACT by reporting it in confidence. Any piece of information could be important. It is better to be safe and report it. You could very well be helping the police prevent terrorism and save lives.

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Crowded places, events, public transport, and iconic locations are some examples of locations that could be potential targets for terrorists.

You are familiar with your workplace and surrounding area, so you’re ideally placed to spot when something is amiss. In this period of heightened alert, it is vital to remain vigilant, trust your instincts and report possible terrorist activity to the police via Action Counters Terrorism.

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Look for anything that seems out of the ordinary, such as:

• People in stationary vehicles watching a building or structure

• Vehicles moving slowly near public buildings, structures or bridges, or parked in suspicious circumstances

• Surveillance: Observation and surveillance help terrorists plan attacks. Have you witnessed anyone making notes or sketches, taking pictures or filming security details or arrangements?

• Someone suspicious paying close attention to specific entry and exit points, stairwells, hallways or fire escapes

• People loitering at or near premises for long periods and watching staff, visitors and deliveries for no apparent reason

• People asking detailed or unusual questions about buildings and business operations, facilities (such as room layouts), security or parking for no apparent reason

• Storage: Lock-ups, garages and sheds can be used by terrorists to store equipment. Are you suspicious of anyone renting commercial property?

• Chemicals: Have you noticed someone buying large or unusual quantities of chemicals for no obvious reason?

• Protective equipment: Handling chemicals is dangerous. Have you seen goggles or masks dumped somewhere?

• Funding: Cheque and credit card fraud are ways of generating cash. Have you noticed any suspicious transactions?

• Multiple identities: Do you know someone with documents in different names for no obvious reason?

• Transport: If you work in commercial vehicle hire or sales, has a sale or rental seemed out of the ordinary?

• Travel: Meetings, training and planning can take place anywhere. Do you know someone who travels but is vague about where they’re going?

• Communication: Anonymous, pay-as-you-go and stolen mobiles are typical. Does someone have several mobiles for no obvious reason?

• Computers: Do you know someone who visits terrorist-related websites or shares content that promotes or glorifies terrorism? Read more about online terrorism below

• Challenge those in offices and ‘off-limits’ areas, plant rooms and similar – report matters immediately to your security manager or dial 999.
   

If you suspect possible terrorist activity, trust your instincts and report it, in confidence, using our online tool, or call the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321. Our specially trained officers will take it from there. If you have any worries about reporting, take a look at our FAQs.

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Of course, if you suspect immediate danger, call 999 now. 

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What are the signs of possible online terrorist activity?

Some people use the internet to promote, glorify or help carry-out acts of terrorism and violent extremism. You can help by being vigilant for behaviour and content such as:

• speeches or essays calling for racial or religious violence

• videos of violence with messages in praise of terrorists

• postings inciting people to commit acts of terrorism or violent extremism

• messages intended to stir up hatred against any religious or ethnic group

• bomb-making instructions.
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If you’ve come across a website or online content (including emails, forums or social media) that you feel is of a violent extremist or terrorist nature, please report it using the UK government’s quick and anonymous online tool to report extremist online material.

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The iREPORTit app also allows people to refer worrying or disturbing content easily, effectively and, crucially, completely anonymously. There should be no safe space for terrorists online – the Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit (CTIRU) have a team of specially trained officers who can assess each referral and take appropriate action. The iREPORTit app is compatible with both iOS and Android and is built for use across the country. Terrorist content online has consequences in real life.

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Download #iREPORTit today, and anonymously report disturbing online content. 

• Apple iOS: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1527456430

• Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ravenscience.ireportit

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Is someone close becoming a stranger? Act Early.

It can be hard to know what to do if you’re worried someone close is expressing extreme views or hatred, which could lead to them harming themselves or others.

 

Working with other organisations, the police protect vulnerable people from being exploited by extremists through a Home Office programme called Prevent.

Act early and tell us your concerns in confidence. It may be nothing, but if something doesn’t feel right, the sooner you seek help the quicker we can support the person you’re worried about.

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Visit the website to know the signs to spot and for support and guidance. 

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Where can I find security advice for my business or organisation?

Specialist officers carry out regular security briefings for the business community.

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Counter Terrorism Security Advisers (CTSA) can identify and assess critical sites in your community that may be vulnerable to terrorist or extremist attack. They then devise and develop appropriate protective security plans to minimise impact on that site and the surrounding community.

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For further information, visit the national counter terrorism policing website.

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ACT Awareness E-Learning

ACT Awareness e-Learning is a counter terrorism awareness product designed for all UK based companies organisations and the general public.

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Free to use, the course can be divided into short sections. However it takes just 45 minutes in total to complete – 45 minutes that could save lives. The digital format is proving popular with shopping, entertainment and sports venues with more companies applying to take part every day. 

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If you’re a member of the general public or from a major organisation, you can sign up directly to the course here or visit the National Counter Terrorism Security Office website’s ACT Awareness page for further information.

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