9.46 PM Saturday 18 May 2013

Help protect the public from serious threats to their safety including organised crime and terrorism

The lead-in to all the priorities that we will ‘work in partnership with our communities and relevant agencies’ is of particular significance to this priority. The community and partners have a key role in helping to protect Dorset from organised criminals or identifying those who may be attracted to terrorism or domestic extremism. Dealing with organised criminality (much of which is drug-related in Dorset) and preventing terrorism is a responsibility that extends far beyond the Police Service.

 

What we will do

 

  • We will seek to recover cash and other assets from criminals, especially those who operate in organised groups and let the public know when we do.
  • Counter terrorism presentations will be provided to all schools and colleges in Dorset where appropriate.
  • We will share information with partners wherever possible so that they can effectively play their part in protecting the community from these threats.
  • We will provide the people of Dorset with information about success in fighting organised crime, terrorism or domestic extremism where it is appropriate to do so.

 

 

What results are we seeking to achieve?

 

  • Criminals will be deprived of their assets where appropriate.
  • Communities will be better informed about the risk of terrorism and organised criminality and the part they can play to minimise that risk.
  • The risk posed by organised crime groups in Dorset will be reduced where possible.

 

 

 

IN AN EMERGENCY

If you think you have seen a person acting suspiciously, or if you see a vehicle, unattended package or bag which might be a threat, immediately move away and call 999.

Anti-Terrorist hotline

anti terrorist hotlineIf you think that you may have seen something suspicious or you are unsure about somebody’s activities or behaviour, however insignificant it may seem at the time, call the Anti-Terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321. Calls are taken in confidence by specialist officers who will analyse your information. They’ll decide if and how to follow it up. Your call could be vital to us however unsure you may be.

The terrorist threat remains real and there is no room for complacency. The public should remain alert and aware of their surrounding at all times. If something strikes you as suspicious and out of place then trust your instincts and call the police.

Terrorists have to live somewhere. They store their equipment and materials somewhere. They need vehicles. They have people who help them - and these people might come and go at strange times of the day and night. They may make unusual financial transactions or use false documents to hide their real identities. They may be behaving differently to how you've known them to behave in the past.

If you suspect it, report it. You can also give non-urgent information that may assist police investigations online through http://www.online.met.police.uk/.

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

 

Report terrorist material on the web

Dorset Police, Bournemouth Borough Council, Borough of Poole and Dorset County Council are supporting the ACPO Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit (CTIRU) based in London, as they help to prevent terrorism and violent extremism online.

The CTIRU was set up in 2010 in order to make the internet a more hostile place for terrorists. It aims to remove unlawful terrorist material content from the internet, focusing particularly on UK based material. It also works with international partners to remove material hosted abroad.

A dedicated webpage has been set up where people can report online content that they think might be illegal, or could cause offence.

By visiting https://www.gov.uk/terrorism-national-emergency/reporting-suspected-terrorism referrals can be made directly to the CTIRU via a totally anonymous referral system for members of the public.

The website encourages the public to take action against material that incites any form of violent extremism and terrorism by reporting unacceptable content to website administrators or hosting companies as well as the CTIRU.

The Metropolitain Police has a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions which may help If you do not wish to speak to the police direct or require further advice about the Anti-Terrorist hotline.