AS THE festive season gets underway West Midlands Police is reminding residents they won’t be wasting officers’ time if the report suspicious activity.
Counter Terrorism Policing West Midlands are asking the public to be vigilant, calling on everyone to play their part in keeping each other safe this festive season through its annual Counter Terrorism Policing winter vigilance campaign.
The campaign encourages communities to look after each other and trust their instincts by alerting staff or security at a venue or event, or by contacting the police, if something doesn’t feel right.
Every report is taken seriously; one in five of the reports received last year to the national Anti-Terrorism Hotline and the online equivalent, gov.uk/ACT, were passed on to officers for further investigation.
The aim is to make sure as many people as possible feel safe to enjoy winter with family and friends, while also being empowered to report any concern themselves, rather than thinking someone else may report it.
Detective Chief Superintendent Alison Hurst, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing West Midlands, said: “As we head into the winter months which see more people in the West Midlands heading to our towns and cities to celebrate with friends and family, we want you to have an enjoyable and safe festive period.
“That’s why we’re encouraging you to stay alert and look out for each other when you’re out and about in the coming weeks. If you see or hear something that doesn’t feel right, it’s important to trust your instincts and report your concerns straight away to police or a member of staff where you are.
“We’re working closely with event organisers, security teams and key partners across the region to encourage them to support the campaign and remind event staff to be vigilant, which gives us extra eyes and ears on the ground. If you have any concerns, don’t wait to report – we’ll always take you seriously as your safety is our priority.”
Anyone who sees or hears something that could be terrorist-related should act on their instincts.
You can call the Anti-Terrorism Hotline in confidence on 0800 789 321, or visit gov.uk/ACT.
