Major Incidents
Terrorism is defined in United Kingdom law as the use or threat of action, both in and outside of the United Kingdom, designed to influence any international government organisation or to intimidate the public and for the purpose of advancing a political, religious, racial or ideological cause.
Major Incidents can cause death and physical injuries, practical difficulties such as transport and contacting loved ones, psychological harm, particularly where there are fatalities or serious injuries, and financial problems if they are unable to work due to injuries or family members needing to provide care for those injured or traumatised.
In the event of a Major Incident, Staffordshire Victim Gateway may receive requests from Category 1 and 2 responders to provide humanitarian support to victims and witnesses and may receive self referrals.
Reduce the Threat of Terrorist Attacks
Look for anything that seems out of the ordinary, such as:
- people in stationary vehicles watching a building or structure
- vehicles moving slowly near public buildings, structures or bridges, or parked in suspicious circumstances
- people using recording equipment, including camera phones, or seen making notes or sketches of security details
- someone suspicious paying close attention to specific entry and exit points, stairwells, hallways or fire escapes
- people loitering at or near premises for long periods and watching staff, visitors and deliveries for no apparent reason
- people asking detailed or unusual questions about buildings and business operations, facilities (such as room layouts), security or parking for no apparent reason
Staying safe from Terrorism
The threat of terrorism in the UK is real, but with a little knowledge you can increase your safety and help protect yourself against a terrorist attack. Find out below how to stay safe when you’re out and about and how to report any suspicious behaviour that could be connected to terrorism:
- RUN – Evacuate if it is safe to do so. Find a safe route and insist others come with you, but don’t let them slow you down. Leave your belongings behind
- HIDE – if you can’t evacuate, hide. Consider your exits. Avoid dead-ends and bottlenecks. Try to lock yourself in a room and move away from the door. Be very quiet and silence your phone.
- TELL – Call the police only when you are safe. Tell them your location. Give as much information as you can. Stop others from entering the area if you can.
Crime Prevention Information
Additionally, it may also be useful for you to have advice on crime prevention that may help you to protect yourself in the future. You can find lots of useful information on local crime prevention by clicking here:
https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/