Nottinghamshire Police are among police forces across the UK to issue new advice to the public on how to spot and report activity which could be related to terrorism.
In a series of guidelines designed to encourage people to look out for the planning and preparation of an attack, the Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) campaign lists examples which could draw suspicion.
People using the ‘dark web’ to view extremist material, ordering unusual items from the internet, storing unusual chemicals or taking pictures or notes of security could all be grounds for suspicion and action, the campaign suggests.
The force’s advice states: “Communities defeat terrorism. With the enduring terrorist threat, it is now more important than 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.”
Counter-terrorism police say more than one in five tip-offs from the public provides useful intelligence.
Police have released a video highlighting terror attack methods as part of the campaign. The film is based on real-life foiled plots and shows examples of terrorist-related suspicious activity.
Examples of suspicious activity which police say could be worth reporting;
Research
- Someone who looks at extremist material, including on the so-called Dark Web, or shares and creates content that promotes or glorifies terrorism
- Someone embracing or actively promoting hateful ideas or an extremist ideology/someone who travels but is vague about where they’re going
- Someone with passports or other documents in different names, for no obvious reason
Gathering materials
- Someone receiving deliveries for unusual items bought online
- Someone buying large or unusual quantities of chemicals, fertilisers or gas cylinders for no obvious reason
- Someone acquiring illegal firearms or other weapons or showing an interest in obtaining them
Storing Materials
- Anyone storing large amounts of chemicals, fertilisers or gas cylinders
- Storing illegal firearms or objects that could potentially be weapons
Hostile Reconnaissance
- Anyone taking pictures or notes of security arrangements or CCTV?
Financing
- Suspicious or unusual bank transactions or cheque or card fraud
More information is available on the Government’s counter-terrorism website. Suspicious activity can also be reported there, or by calling police on 0800 789 321.
