Community safety

Counter Terrorism

IT’S COMMUNITIES THAT BEAT TERRORISM!

It’s probably nothing, but…

Matt Bryan of the Police’s Counter Terrorism unit recently spoke to members of the Pavilion Club.  We were told that it’s communities that defeat terrorism and that each one of us can help police to keep our community safe by reporting our concerns about any suspicious activity on: 0800 789 321.

Such calls can and have saved lives.   We were told that we should NOT worry about ‘wasting Police time’ or ‘getting someone into trouble’ but let the Anti-Terrorist police decide if the information is important.  What is told to the Police is treated in the strictest confidence and is thoroughly researched by experienced officers before, and if, any Police action is taken.  No call or click will be ignored. 

We must be aware of what is going on around us – or anything that strikes us a different or unusual, or anyone that we feel is acting suspiciously – it could be someone we know, or even someone or something you notice when you are out and about that doesn’t feel quite right.

Examples of suspicious activity could include someone who, for example:

·                     appears to be carrying out surveillance; taking photos of security arrangements;

·                     has illegal firearms or other weapons or has shown an interest in obtaining them;

·                     is visiting the dark web, or ordering unusual items online;

·                     Has bought or hired a vehicle in suspicious circumstances;

·                     has bought or stored large amounts of chemicals, fertiliser, or gas cylinders for no obvious reasons, or is researching acquiring these items;

·                     has undergone an extreme and unexplained change in their behaviour;

·                     is carrying out suspicious transactions on their bank account;

·                     holds passports or other documents in different names for no obvious reason;

·                     Travels for long periods of time, but is vague about where they are going.   

Remember – in an emergency always dial 999.  If you see something that concerns you, ACT.  Action Counters Terrorism.