West Mercia Police is encouraging residents across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire to remain vigilant this summer and report anything suspicious while attending events and attractions.
The force is working alongside Counter Terrorism Policing West Midlands as part of a seasonal awareness campaign aimed at helping keep communities safe during the busy summer months.
Thousands of people are expected to attend music festivals, sporting fixtures, outdoor events and holiday activities across the region over the coming weeks. While these gatherings provide opportunities for people to enjoy the summer, police say crowded venues can also be attractive targets for terrorist or other criminal activity.
The appeal follows the recent increase in the UK terrorism threat level to SEVERE, meaning an attack is considered highly likely.
West Mercia Police stressed there is currently no specific intelligence suggesting an increased threat to the region. However, officers are urging the public to remain alert and report anything unusual without delay.
Chief Superintendent Edd Williams, West Mercia Police’s Prevent lead, said: “I want to reassure our communities that our advice is not linked to any specific intelligence linked to our region, it’s simply a timely reminder of how important it is to stay vigilant and report anything suspicious.
“We’re working alongside local venues, event organisers and businesses to help keep events safe, and we’re asking the public to play their part too. By staying alert and sharing this advice with friends, family and colleagues, we can all contribute to keeping our communities even safer.
“Trust your instincts. If you see something unusual or something that doesn’t feel right, report it straight away – don’t assume someone else will.”
Police are advising people attending events this summer to stay aware of their surroundings and look out for family, friends and fellow event-goers.
Anyone who notices suspicious behaviour or something that does not feel right should report it immediately to venue security staff, police, or online through the government’s Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) campaign.
The force is also encouraging members of the public to complete the free ACT Awareness e-Learning course, available through the ProtectUK platform, which provides guidance on recognising and responding to potential terrorist threats.
In an emergency, people should always call 999.
For more information about counter-terrorism awareness and reporting suspicious activity, visit the ACT and ProtectUK websites.
