Spotting the signs of terrorism

Spotting the signs and reporting is important to preventing future terror attacks.

Self-initiated terrorism

There have been recent terrorist attacks in the UK committed by someone working alone. This is called self-initiated terrorism.

A person wearing headphones sitting in front of a screen, playing a video game in a dimly lit room.

Self-initiated terrorists do not have direct support from a terrorist group. They are likely to use simpler ways of attacking. They can be inspired by ideology and personal grievances. This can make them harder to detect.

While self-initiated terrorists work alone, they still have family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. They have previously shared their plans with family, friends or online before trying to commit an attack. Even if the plans are vague, this should be reported immediately.

Signs that someone might be planning a terrorist attack

A terrorist will go through different stages before they try to commit a terrorist attack. These are not always in order and not everyone goes through all of them. However, some of these could be part of that process. A terrorist can go through these stages quickly.

The stages include:

Mindset

The right mindset with the intent and motivation to commit a terrorist act.

Capability

The capability to commit the act (finances, physical abilities, weapons and explosives).

Research

Carried out research or made plans, such as hostile reconnaissance, to help them feel their plans will be a success.

Close-up of a person’s hands in a dark room, holding a smartphone while using a laptop.

Extreme views

viewing violent or extremist content
sharing or creating content that supports terrorism
promoting hateful ideas or extremist views either in person or online
talking about supporting an extremist group, cause or ideology

A person in a hooded jacket enters a dimly lit warehouse carrying a duffel bag, surrounded by stacked cardboard boxes.

Gathering materials

buying large amounts of chemicals or gas cylinders for no reason
obtaining, or showing an interest in, illegal firearms or potential weapons, such as knives and 3D printed weapons
receiving deliveries for unusual items
making unusual or repeated purchases that may be linked to terrorism
being vague about where they are travelling
holding multiple passports in different names with no explanation
setting up multiple online accounts, personas or profiles for purchases
unusual sales or commercial vehicle rentals

A person takes a photo of multiple CCTV cameras mounted on a ceiling in an industrial setting.

Hostile reconnaissance and planning

taking photos or footage of CCTV, security staff or security measures – observation and surveillance help terrorists plan attacks
unusual bank transactions or money transfers – cheque and credit card fraud are ways of generating cash
storing large amounts of chemicals, fertilisers, or gas cylinders for no reason
storing firearms which could be used for an attack

A silhouette of a person holding their head

Behaviour changes

In addition to these potential signs, have you noticed that someone has:

become secretive about their online activity
suddenly resigned from work for no reason
withdrawn from family and friends
become isolated
unexpectedly got rid of their items (personal belongings, car, money, jewellery) without any financial gain
recently settled their debts
made unexpected contact with family, friends, or strangers (for example texting or phoning to say goodbye)