The threat to the UK (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) from terrorism is SUBSTANTIAL.

• LOW means an attack is highly unlikely
• MODERATE means an attack is possible, but not likely
• SUBSTANTIAL means an attack is likely
• SEVERE means an attack is highly likely
• CRITICAL means an attack is highly likely in the near future

Staying safe from terrorism

The threat of terrorism in the UK is real, but with a little knowledge you can increase your safety and help protect yourself against a terrorist attack. Find out below how to stay safe when you’re out and about and how to report any suspicious behaviour that could be connected to terrorism.

What you can do

Communities defeat terrorism. We all need the help and support of individuals, businesses and communities across the UK to remain alert and maintain the safety and security of those places where we live, work and socialise.

If you see or hear something unusual or suspicious, trust your instincts and ACT (Action Counters Terrorism) by reporting possible terrorist activity in confidence. Any piece of information could be important, so it’s better to be safe and report anything you see. You can help the police prevent terrorism and save lives.

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

You’re 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.

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
• people using recording equipment, including camera phones, or seen making notes or sketches of security details
• 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
• anyone in ‘off limits’ areas, plant rooms and similar – ask these people who they are and what they’re doing, and report this immediately to your security manager or call 999. If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use our textphone service 18000 or text us on 999 if you’ve pre-registered with the emergency SMS service.

If you’ve witnessed any of the above, trust your instincts and report it, in confidence, by calling the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321.

Being an ex counter-terrorism detective, I can confirm that anything which you may think insignificant, may possibly be the missing link in an investigation, so please report anything you think suspicious.