Malicious threats
In the UK and around the world the threat of terrorism endures and evolves. According to the UK government, The current UK threat level is substantial. This means that a terrorist attack in the UK is likely.
Although the chance of being caught up in a terrorist incident remains low, it is important to be prepared and know how to protect yourself if you need to. This is true when you are in the UK but also if you are planning to travel overseas.
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 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.
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 Cambridgeshire Constabulary's textphone service 18000 or text us on 999 if you’ve pre-registered with the emergencySMS service.
How to report possible terrorist activity
If you’ve seen or heard something that could suggest a terrorist threat to the UK, even if it seems minor or not worth mentioning, trust your instincts and ACT (Action Counters Terrorism) by reporting it.
Any piece of information could be important, it's better to be safe and report. Your information could save a life.
On Cambridgeshire Constabulary's website you’ll find all the different ways you can report possible terrorist activity, as well as answers to our most commonly asked questions.
Key information sources
- Check the Counter Terrorism Policing website for public safety advice
- The ProtectUK website provides vital counter terrorism security information for the public, businesses and other organisations This includes specific guidance, and toolkits to help reduce the risk from terrorism to you or your business and your community.
- Before travelling overseas, check the country specific travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and sign up for email alerts. There can be specific terrorism threats in other parts of the world and it is important to be informed.
- There is also lots of advice on the Government's Prepare website on what to do if you are caught up in a terrorist attack including advice to Run, Hide and Tell (the police by dialling 999).