PREVENT Update

Please see some key messaging below from CTP West Midlands CTU, following the attack in Reading on Saturday 20th June 2020.

Our advice – as crowded places return after the coronavirus lockdown – is that the public should remain vigilant at all times and report any concerns, in confidence, to the police. The threat level from terrorism remains at Substantial, which means an attack is likely.

If you are worried someone may be at risk of radicalisation support is available at https://www.ltai.info/

If you see or hear something unusual or suspicious trust your instincts and ACT by reporting it in confidence at gov.uk/ACT or, in an emergency, dial 999.

In the rare event of being caught up in a firearms or weapon attack, our advice is Run, Hide, Tell.

In recent years, attacks have been prevented and lives have been saved as a result of information received from the public. With the continuing terrorist threat, it is now more important than ever that everyone plays their part in tackling terrorism.

#CommunitiesDefeatTerrorism. If you see something that concerns you, trust your instincts and ACT.

Do not worry that you may be wasting our time. No call or click will be ignored. What you tell us is treated in the strictest confidence and is thoroughly researched by experienced officers before, and if, any police action is taken.

Any piece of information could be important, it is better to be safe and report. You could help the police stop an attack and save lives.

For anyone affected by a terrorism incident, you can find information and support here https://victimsofterrorism.campaign.gov.uk/

Find out more about CT Policing at https://www.counterterrorism.police.uk/

 

AC Neil Basu Statement

“The events in Reading were horrifying.  Once again families are grieving and a community is in mourning.

For this to have happened after all we have gone through with coronavirus is especially devastating.   But sadly, as one disease retreats, we need to stop another re-emerging.

Our investigation is moving quickly and we will do everything to ensure that justice is done for the victims and loved ones.

Saturday’s events can leave us feeling helpless.  But you can play your part to protect yourself and your community from the scourge of terrorism.

As we begin to return to normal, and public places become more crowded, we must be vigilant to the ongoing threat.   If you see any suspicious activity, don’t hesitate to ACT – report it.

You can do that online, in confidence, via our Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) website at gov.uk/ACT.  Please do not worry you may be wasting our time. We would much rather hear from you than miss an opportunity to step in before it’s too late.

You can learn what suspicious behaviour looks like by doing CT Policing’s online course.  It takes 45 minutes to complete the course and be in a stronger position to help save lives.  Over half a million people have already taken part and I thank you all.

If you’re at work and you want more help to protect your colleagues and customers you can download our ACT app. There is also lots of free advice from us online.

While what happened in Reading on Saturday night was horrific, I am proud of the heroes who rushed forward to help. I know these will be life changing events for you too. But your actions were an example to us all to step forward and play our part.

Terrorists aim to divide and break society through fear.  We can all help to stop them by working together. “