Act on your instincts

help defeat terrorism with the new ACTION COUNTERS TERRORISM (ACT) campaign

Follow LBC's Special Report Week in March, when a new national counter terrorism policing campaign will be asking you to play a key role in tackling the terrorist threat facing the UK. You can do this by reporting suspicious behaviour and online extremist and terrorist material anonymously and securely to the police.

Since 2014, the threat of terrorism in the UK has been severe, which means an attack is highly likely. When attacks have occurred in the past, people have said they suspected something was wrong but were worried they might be wasting police time by coming forward. That couldn't be more untrue – some of the highest priority investigations have benefited from information police have received from communities.

The ACT campaign aims to make you feel comfortable with reporting any potential suspicious activity or online content that you have come across and are concerned about.

Don't be worried about wasting police time or getting someone into trouble. No click or call will be ignored. Don't worry, don't delay, just ACT.

What can I do?

  • Act on your instincts, and if you see something suspicious call the police, don't wait for someone else to make the call
  • Be aware of what is going on around you and anything that strikes you as different or unusual to the norm
  • If you think someone is behaving suspiciously - even it's someone you know - report it
  • Report online content that you believe may be of an extremist or terrorist nature

What suspicious activity should I look out for?

These are just some examples of suspicious activity and behaviour which could potentially be terrorist related:

  • Anyone hiring large HGV vehicles or similar for no obvious reason
  • Anyone buying or storing a large amount of chemicals, fertilisers or gas cylinders for no obvious reasons
  • Anyone taking notes or photos of security arrangements, or inspecting CCTV in an unusual way
  • Anyone visiting the dark web, ordering unusual items online or carrying out unusual bank transactions
  • Anyone who has firearms or other weapons or has shown an interest in obtaining them
  • Anyone holding passports or other documents in different names, for no obvious reasons
  • Anyone who goes away travelling for long periods of time but is vague about where they're going

What if I find extremist or terrorist content online?

The internet can be used to promote, glorify or help carry out acts of terrorism and extremism. Help police by reporting:

  • Articles, images, speeches or videos that promote terrorism or encourage violence
  • Online content encouraging people to commit acts of terrorism
  • Websites made by terrorist or extremist organisations
  • Video of terrorist attacks
  • If you come across potentially illegal or offensive material on internet sites, social media or other web-based forums, report your concerns

How can I report suspicious activity?

Call the police on 0800 789321 or visit gov.uk/ACT

Don't worry that you are wasting police time by calling in or even that you might get someone you know into trouble. The police will only take action after appropriate checks have been carried out and no call or clicks will be ignored. Anonymity will be assured and information you give will always be secure. If you see something unusual or suspicious, go with your instinct and make sure to ACT, as it could save lives.

In an emergency, always dial 999

Watch our videos

Know what to report and how to report it.

Listen to our podcasts

Code Severe is a podcast series hosted by Mark Strong, revealing previously untold stories of terrorist attacks from the files of UK Counter Terrorism Police. Each story is told by detectives, counter terrorism officers, witnesses and the terrorists themselves.

  • Multiple Bombings

  • Hostile Reconnaisance

Special Report Week

Make sure you follow LBC's Special Report Week 13th to 17th March for more information.