Guidance

It's Probably Nothing But...

Published 23 November 2015

This guidance was withdrawn on 11 February 2020

This document is out of date. See the current guidance on reporting suspicious activity and behaviour.

1. The Beginning

To mark the beginning of Counter Terrorism Awareness Week the police service is reminding the public of how they can help us tackle the current terror threat, while providing information and advice on how to keep safe.

Recent events in Paris remind us all of the threat we face, which in the UK is considered as ‘SEVERE’, meaning an attack is highly likely.

The level of threat is complex and ranges from lone actors intent on carrying out crude and violent attacks to sophisticated networks pursuing ambitious and coordinated plots - as we saw starkly demonstrated in France and other parts of the world.

This increased level of activity is matched by increased action by the police and security services, who are working on hundreds of active investigations and making an arrest a day.

2. Be Alert, not Alarmed

We urge the public to be alert but not alarmed by the threat, and reassure them that the police service carries out daily activities to help maintain the protection and security of our citizens, public institutions, critical national infrastructure, and businesses and places, including those who are potential terrorist targets.

Our security measures and activities are constantly reviewed to reflect where the threats exist and the level of threat we are facing;

This week gives us an opportunity to remind communities about this threat and what we are doing to tackle it, as well as providing information to help them to take the necessary steps to stay safe.

3. Raise a concern

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu, Specialist Operations said:

The police service is working tirelessly to confront the terrorist threat we all face. To do this we need the help of the public. We need them to be alert, but not alarmed. I would also say, make sure you know where you can get information from the police in a crisis, whether it’s through social media or more traditional ways such as radio and TV.

I would urge the public not to be concerned about things they are unable to control, but to focus instead on what they can do that will make a difference. Be vigilant and you could be the person who spots something odd or unusual and prevents an attack.

Communities defeat terrorism, which is why the police relationship with the public is so important and it now needs to be stronger than ever before. Police depend on the public to be our eyes and ears. We need everyone to be vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour or activity to the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321 or in an emergency dial 999.

Visit the NaCTSO website today and every day this week for information about how to stay safe online and how to be vigilant against the threat from terrorism. Follow Twitter activity and webchats at: @Policechiefs #CounterTerrorismUK

4. What to do if you notice activity that may be suspicious?

You may feel it’s probably nothing, but unless you trust your instincts and talk to the police, they won’t be able to judge whether the information you have is important or not. Specially trained officers would rather take lots of calls which are made in good faith, but have innocent explanations – rather than not getting any at all, all information passed to the police is treated in the strictest of confidence. It is thoroughly analysed and researched by experienced officers before, and if, any police action is taken. Remember, no piece of information is considered too small or insignificant.

It’s probably nothing but…. if you see or hear anything that could be terrorist-related trust your instincts and call the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321. In an emergency, always dial 999.