Specialist Operations

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Advice on how all communities can help police defeat terrorism

Q: What suspicious activity should I be looking for?
A: We want to encourage the public to be aware of what is happening around them and think about anything or anybody that has struck them as unusual in their day-to-day lives. We would ask people across London to think carefully about anyone they know whose behaviour has changed suddenly. What has changed – could it be significant? What about the people they associate with? Have you noticed activity where you live which is not the norm? We want people to have the confidence to trust their instincts. If you suspect it, report it to the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321. By doing this the public can help to make London a hostile place for terrorists.

  • Terrorists need storage – Lock-ups, garages and sheds can all be used by terrorists to store equipment. Are you suspicious of anyone renting commercial property?
  • Terrorists use chemicals – Do you know someone buying large or unusual quantities of chemicals for no obvious reason?
  • Terrorists use protective equipment – Handling chemicals is dangerous. Maybe you’ve seen goggles or masks dumped somewhere?
  • Terrorists need funding – Cheque and credit card fraud are ways of generating cash. Have you seen any suspicious transactions?
  • Terrorists use multiple identities – Do you know someone with documents in different names for no obvious reason?
  • Terrorists need information - Observation and surveillance help terrorists plan attacks. Have you seen anyone taking pictures of security arrangements?
  • Terrorists need transport – If you work in commercial vehicle hire or sales, has a sale or rental made you suspicious?
  • Terrorists need to travel – Meetings, training and planning can take place anywhere. Do you know someone who travels but is vague about where they’re going?
  • Terrorists need communication – Anonymous, pay-as-you-go and stolen mobiles are typical. Have you seen someone with large quantities of mobiles? Has it made you suspicious?
  • Terrorists use computers – Do you know someone who visits terrorist-related websites?

    If you notice suspicious bags, behaviour or vehicles which pose an imminent threat you should call 999 immediately

Q: I am concerned that someone will find out I have contacted the Anti-Terrorist hotline.
A: Police understand that people might have reservations about contacting police - either because their friends or family may find out, or their suspicions may prove to have innocent explanations. But we can reassure the public that all calls and information are treated in the strictest confidence.

Q: What happens if the information I give is wrong?
A: We know that people who contact the hotline do so in good faith. All information received by the hotline is thoroughly researched and investigated before any police action is considered. Let police decide if the information you have is important. Members of the public may unknowingly have information which could be a crucial piece of the investigative jigsaw. If you suspect it report it.

Q: If I don’t want to contact police is there anyone else I can talk to?
A: You may feel more comfortable talking to another organisation about any information you may have about terrorism. Members of these organisations can then pass the information on to the police so that you can preserve your anonymity:

You can also report crime or information online or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Policing London

Q: What is the MPS doing to keep Londoners safe?
A: Public safety remains a priority for the MPS. Our contingency planning remains under constant review and this involves close liaison with central and local government, other emergency services and other agencies.

The Met constantly reviews a wide range of policing tactics, including the deployment of high visibility policing at a variety of locations.

These additional policing measures may be put in place for a number of reasons, including as a response to seasonal crime patterns or as a precautionary measure in the light of the current and continuing threat from international terrorism.

Overt policing is used in combination with a range of other police activities including covert tactics that by their nature are not obvious to the public.

People who live, work and visit London will continue to see a selection of policing tactics used in the future.

We encourage the public to remain vigilant and alert and to report anything suspicious to police. We cannot be complacent.

Q: How many people in the UK were convicted of terrorist-related offences in 2008?
A: In 2008, 50 people were convicted of terrorist-related offences. Of these, 21 people pleaded guilty and were jailed for a total of approximately 500 years.

Q: Do police target specific communities when investigating terrorism?
A: We can categorically say that no individual is targeted by police because of their culture, faith, race or religion. Police inquiries are carried out under the provisions of existing UK law which takes into account the human and legal rights of those involved. Terrorist investigations go where the intelligence and evidence takes them.

Every effort is made by police to ensure that minority communities are not criminalised or victimised in any way. The overwhelming majority of the Muslim community are law abiding and reject all forms of violence.

The bedrock of British policing has always been to work with, for and on behalf of the communities we serve. It would be counter-productive for us to target any specific community as it is not police actions alone that will ultimately defeat terrorism, but the combined actions of all communities.
We need the support and confidence of communities to improve the two-way flow of information in order to arrest and prosecute terrorists in order to protect the whole community. Communities can defeat terrorism.

Specialist Operations

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