Report terrorism and suspicious activity
Terrorist groups seek to cause widespread disruption, fear and intimidation by using violence or the threat of violence as a means of publicising their causes.
If you see anyone acting suspiciously, trust your instincts and pass on the information, no matter how insignificant it may seem. We need as much information as possible as even the smallest detail can help our investigations.
The information you share with us will be reviewed by our specially-trained officers who will decide what action to take.
When reporting terrorism concerns or suspicious activity, try to provide any:
- names
- addresses or locations
- ages
- number plates, makes and models, if any vehicles are involved
- details as to why you suspect terrorism
Report suspicious activity
The information you provide to us, or other agencies, will be treated in the strictest confidence.
- Call the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline 0800 789 321
- Complete the Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) form
- Contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or complete their online form
- Visit your local police station
- Businesses can report suspicious activity at a business premises, by using the suspected crime form
Immediate danger
Call 999 if you think there is an immediate threat, such as a person acting suspiciously or an unattended package or bag.
If you suspect something, report it
No piece of information is too small or insignificant. Our specially trained officers will make the judgement. We would rather take lots of reports which are made in good faith, but have innocent explanations, than not get any reports at all.
The following video, from Counter Terrorism Policing UK, highlights the importance of sharing suspicious behaviour:
Radicalisation and online terrorist material
What are the signs of radicalisation?
Signs or symptoms of radicalisation include, but are not limited to:
- Changes in behaviour (secretive, radical views, obsessive behaviour)
- Voicing extreme opinions or hatred of certain ethnic or religious groups
- A fascination with weapons, explosives, extremist or terrorist organisations
- Very black and white thinking; them versus us
- Rejected by peers or family
- Use of social media, contact with influencers online
Sharing concerns about radicalisation
If you are worried someone close to you is becoming radicalised, act early and seek help. The sooner you reach out, the quicker we can protect the person you care about from being groomed and exploited by extremists.
We are here to listen and offer help and advice. Receiving support is voluntary.
Friends and family are best placed to spot the signs, so trust your instincts and tell us your concerns in confidence.
We can help if you act early. You will not be wasting our time and you will not ruin lives, but you might save them.
If you have concerns:
- Contact our dedicated Prevent Team (specially trained male and female officers) who can give advice or direct you to other support agencies.
- Call – 0117 945 5539
- Email – channelsw@avonandsomerset.police.uk
- Visit the Act Early website to raise your concerns to the national Counter Terrorism policing team
How do I report online terrorist material?
Examples of illegal terrorist or extremist content online include:
- Speeches or essays calling for racial or religious violence
- Videos of violence with messages of ‘glorification’ or praise for the attackers
- Chat forums with postings calling for people to commit acts of terrorism or violent extremism
- Messages intended to stir up hatred
- Bomb-making instructions
Report online terrorist material on the gov.uk website.
Help for businesses and organisations
Our Counter Terrorism Security Advisers (CTSAs) provide protective and counter-terrorism security advice to support businesses to reduce vulnerability to terrorist threats.
Contact the CTSAs about support for businesses, by using our general enquiry form.