Got big plans this summer? Watching your favourite band perform or heading to the pub to watch your team play? As the summer heats up, so do summer events and we need your help to keep the people safe.
Here in the East Midlands, we have specially trained Counter Terrorism Security Advisors who work all year round to keep the public safe, by working with businesses and organisations to improve safety at key sites across the region.
This team has a wealth of experience and training to keep you safe from terrorism in places that you work, shop, socialise, and visit. They work with those in entertainment, food and retail sectors, sporting venues, transport hubs, education, and health.
As we head into the long summer evenings and outdoor events, we ask you to stay alert and report anything that may not feel right. You should trust your instincts to help keep people safe across the East Midlands.
Figures shows that the public’s engagement in last year’s winter vigilance campaign led to an increase in the number of reports made, helping with our enquiries.
Detective Chief Inspector Marianne Winn, from Counter Terrorism Policing East Midlands, said: “These next few summer months are a busy time across the East Midlands, with sporting events, festivals, and many outdoor activities. Unfortunately, these can also be seen as an attractive target for terrorists.
“We work with our partners everyday to monitor the threat and protect the public and venues, helping to make you feel confident and safe to be able to enjoy this fun filled time of year.
“Alongside our work, it is crucial that we receive much needed support from the public. We have seen an increase in you reporting to us over recent years and we thank you for contacting us and sharing your concerns.
“While we work hard to protect the community, all we ask is that you stay alert and trust your instincts. Whether you’re a business, an event organiser, a local authority or simply heading out with family and friends, if you see something that doesn’t feel right, please report it.
“You won’t be wasting our time and you could save lives.”
Be alert to the threat.
Learn to spot the difference between normal and unusual or suspicious behaviour. Questions you should ask yourself if you believe someone is acting suspiciously include:
Is that person really taking a selfie, or a photograph of something else?
Are they loitering in restricted or non-public areas?
Are they paying significant interest to entrances, exits, CCTV cameras or security features or staff?
Are they asking unusual questions?
Are they making efforts to conceal their face, that appear suspicious or out of the ordinary, or are they wearing a disguise?
Trust your instincts. Tell a member of staff, security or police. Report online here or call police to talk through your concerns, in confidence, on 0800 789 321.
In an emergency, always call 999.
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