Report Suspicious Activity
If you’ve seen or heard something that could potentially be related to terrorism, trust your instincts and report it. Your actions could save lives.
Report Online
It only takes a moment to make a report online.
In an emergency, or if you need urgent police assistance, you should always dial 999.
You can also report suspicious activity by contacting the police in confidence on 0800 789 321.
Every year thousands of reports from the public help the police keep communities safe from terrorism.
What should I report?
Like other criminals, terrorists need to plan. They need to prepare, buy and store materials, and find ways to fund their activities. Much of this is done in view of the public. For further information view our FAQs.
Report any of the below activity if you believe it to be suspicious or cause threat.
Research
- Do you know someone who travels but is vague about where they are going?
- Do you know someone with multiple passports in different names?
- Do you know someone who looks at extremist material? Or shares or creates content that glorifies terrorism?
- Have you noticed somebody promoting hateful ideas or extremist views?
Gathering Materials
- Have you noticed someone receiving deliveries for unusual items?
- If you work in commercial vehicle hire or sales, has a sale or rental seemed unusual?
- Have you noticed someone buying large amounts of chemicals or gas cylinders for no reason?
- Have noticed someone acquiring illegal firearms?
Storing Materials
- Have you noticed anyone storing large amounts of chemicals, fertilisers, or gas cylinders for no reason?
- Have you noticed anyone storing firearms which could be used for an attack?
Hostile Reconnaissance
- Observation and surveillance help terrorists plan attacks. Have you noticed anyone taking photos and observing CCTV or security arrangements?
Financing
- Cheque and credit card fraud are ways of generating cash. Have you noticed any unusual bank transactions?
What should I do if I find terrorist or violent extremist content online?
If you see online graphic or violent extremist material or content that supports, directs or glorifies terrorism please report it using our anonymous online reporting form.
Terrorists use the internet to provoke individuals to carry out attacks in the UK.
One post or video has the power to influence vulnerable people and inspire extremists and terrorists. This is why it is important to tackle online terrorism.
You can help us stop terrorists’ and extremists’ online presence by reporting 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
- Advice on how to obtain or make weapons
A specialist police team will examine the content and will work with internet companies to remove it if appropriate.
What happens when I contact the police?
When you make a report about suspicious activity or behaviour, our specially trained officers and police staff will take the details and pass these on for further checks. The information you provide will be kept secure and your identity will be protected.
Your call is not recorded and you do not need to give your name. Don’t be concerned about wasting police time.
Find out more information on the Counter Terrorism Police website.
ACT Awareness e-Learning
ACT Awareness e-Learning is a new counter terrorism awareness product designed for all UK based companies organisations – and now the general public.
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. From 9th December 2019 the course is now open to the general public.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Lucy D’Orsi, national police lead for Protective Security, explains:
“All staff working in crowded places – not just those who have a security role – can follow the course and be in a stronger position to help protect themselves, colleagues and the public.
“Our officers will still be available to deal with companies on a one-to-one level but this will lead to many more ‘eyes and ears’ available to help us that could potentially save lives.”
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.
Advice To Stay Safe
While the chances of being caught up in a terrorist incident remain rare, it is important to be prepared and know how to protect yourself if the need arises.
Counter Terrorism Policing has released guidance that sets out three key steps for keeping safe in the event of a firearms or weapons attack.
If you are caught up in an incident our advice is to ‘Run, Hide and Tell’ – guidance which can be applied to many places and situations. We know from case studies and testimony of people who have survived attacks that this advice can save lives.
Find out more on the Counter Terrorism Policing website about how to stay safe and how both the public and industry can help report suspicious activity.
