Counter Terrorism Policing North East is asking people to stay vigilant this Winter, as crowds are expected to visit the region’s towns and cities to celebrate the festive period.
With footfall increasing as people enjoy the Christmas markets, shops and restaurants this month, Counter Terrorism Policing joined with Durham Constabulary to urge members of the public to trust their instincts and report anything that doesn’t seem right.
Superintendent Mark Jessop is the Head of Protect and Prepare at Counter Terrorism Policing North East. He said: “We’re delighted to team up with Durham Constabulary to launch regional support for this year’s winter vigilance campaign. The festive season is a busy time for many people, and that includes the police and security services who are working to keep people safe in our region’s towns and cities.
“Sadly, the terrorist threat hasn’t gone away, and the threat level nationally remains at SUBSTANTIAL, which means an attack is likely. Whilst there is no intelligence to suggest there is a specific threat to Durham, or our region, we still need the public to be our eyes and ears and help keep each other safe.
“Counter Terrorism Policing is working around the clock with MI5 and other partners to monitor the threat and protect our communities from harm. Last year we arrested more people for terrorism related offences than in previous years, but the support of the public is essential to our mission to keep people safe.
“Our message is simple. If you see something that doesn’t feel right, please report it to police or security staff. Don’t worry that you’re wasting our time, we take every report seriously.
“Let’s look out for each other this winter, so that everyone can enjoy the season safely.”
The request comes as national figures revealed that 19 late-stage attack plots were disrupted by the police and MI5 since 2020, including three that were stopped last year.
Like many other cities across the UK, police in Durham are taking appropriate, precautionary steps to deter terrorists and to promote vigilance.
Durham Constabulary Superintendent Dean Haythornthwaite said: “Our officers work 24/7 every day of the year to make sure Durham is a safe place to work and live and while there is no specific threat to our area, more can always be done which is why we welcome the collaboration with our colleagues at Counter Terrorism Policing.
“We would encourage anyone who sees anything suspicious this winter to report it and help us to keep the streets safe where you live.”
If you spot something suspicious, or think you might have useful information, please report it in confidence on 0800 789 321, or at gov.uk/ACT . In the case of an emergency, always call 999.
The national Winter Vigilance Campaign runs from November 3 to January 5 and is being launched at locations throughout the UK.
The importance of public vigilance is being promoted through digital assets and advertising at locations and attractions with high footfall, in addition to online platforms.
Examples of these assets can be found at https://www.protectuk.police.uk/wintertoolkit