• Business
  • Community
  • Crime
  • Education
  • Health
  • Politics
  • What’s On
  • Traffic & Travel
  • Weather
Bath Echo
  • Saturday 27th February 2021
  • Subscribe
  • Opinion
  • Reviews
  • Letters
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Digital Editions
Bath Echo

Bath, GB

  • Business
  • Community
  • Crime
  • Education
  • Health
  • Politics
  • What’s On
  • Traffic & Travel
  • Weather
Home
News Headlines
Crime

Public being reminded to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity

Wednesday 15th July 2020 Bath Echo News Team Bath Echo News Team Crime

Share
Tweet
WhatsApp
Pin
Share
3 Shares

With more people expected to visit local towns and cities rather than going abroad, police are reminding people about the need to be vigilant when out and about and to report suspicious activity.

In addition to urging people to report concerns about unusual behaviour, police are also asking the public to let them know if they’re worried someone may be vulnerable to radicalisation.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cullen said: “The threat level for the whole of the UK remains at substantial, meaning an attack is likely. Like all forces, we continue to take appropriate steps to protect all our communities and we’re asking the public to remain vigilant.

“During the COVID-19 crisis public places have been much quieter than normal while schools and colleges have virtually shut down.

“As more and more local businesses continue to reopen and life starts to return to what it was like at the start of the year I’d like to once again highlight the important role the public have in keeping our communities safe.

“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.

“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.”

An interactive course explaining how to spot the signs of suspicious behaviour and what to do to help yourself, others and the emergency responders if an attack should take place has been developed by Counter Terrorism Policing.

A recent police appeal to people currently working from home to take part in the Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) e-Learning course resulted in nearly 70,000 signing up to be ‘CT Citizens’.

“Having more people with a basic level of awareness, and who know what to do if they see suspicious activity, is a real asset to the police and with everything people have had to cope with over the past couple of months, it’s great to see they continue to want to want to play their part,” ACC Cullen said.

The reminder to be vigilant comes following a national decline in referrals to Prevent – the government programme which works to offer bespoke support to those at risk of radicalisation.

ACC Cullen added: “Like every other police force, we’ve seen a fall in Prevent referrals in Avon and Somerset since the lockdown was introduced and this is primarily a result of schools and other statutory services such as social care and mental health provision being impacted.

“Despite the reduction, we know that the threat is not going away. In fact, it is likely that the risk of radicalisation has increased for a small number of vulnerable people, as the pandemic is driving people, young and old, to spend more time online and is exacerbating grievances which make people more vulnerable to radicalisation – such as financial insecurity or social alienation.

“We really need parents, friends and family to be aware of what young or vulnerable people in their care are looking at online – and most importantly what they can do to help.

“If you are worried that someone could be vulnerable to radicalisation there is help and advice out there.  From schools via the Safeguarding Officers, to specialist charities and also the police.

“If you have concerns about someone, we are here to help.”

If you have an immediate concern you want to share with a trained professional who will treat your enquiry with understanding and discretion, call police on 101.

To access the ACT e-learning course visit https://ct.highfieldelearning.com/.

In an emergency, always dial 999.

Share
Tweet
WhatsApp
Pin
Share
3 Shares
Next article Council's cabinet set to receive an update on proposed Clean Air Zone
Previous article MP Wera Hobhouse closes over 4,000 pieces of casework since January

Related Stories

Investigation launched after catalytic converter stolen from car at the RUH
Wednesday 24th February 2021

Investigation launched after catalytic converter stolen from car at the RUH

Funding for new police officers secured after revised budget approved
Monday 22nd February 2021

Funding for new police officers secured after revised budget approved

Bath man jailed for 26 weeks after breaching suspended sentence order
Monday 22nd February 2021

Bath man jailed for 26 weeks after breaching suspended sentence order

...
Followers
Follow
...
Likes
Like
...
Followers
Follow

Top Stories

Wessex Water advises local road users about A36 repair work disruption

Wessex Water advises local road users about A36 repair work disruption

Friday 26th February 2021
Rapid COVID-19 test site for asymptomatic key workers being opened in Bath

Rapid COVID-19 test site for asymptomatic key workers being opened in Bath

Friday 26th February 2021
Volunteer ‘lock angels’ being sought to look after the Kennet & Avon Canal

Volunteer ‘lock angels’ being sought to look after the Kennet & Avon Canal

Friday 26th February 2021
State-of-the-art LED lighting being installed and trialled at Bath Abbey

State-of-the-art LED lighting being installed and trialled at Bath Abbey

Friday 26th February 2021
Council to buy acres of green belt land to make way for new roads and homes

Council to buy acres of green belt land to make way for new roads and homes

Friday 26th February 2021
  • Business
  • Community
  • Crime
  • Education
  • Health
  • Politics
  • What’s On
  • Traffic & Travel
  • Weather
  • Back to top
Created by Media Bath - Regulated by IMPRESS

About the Bath Echo | Your City, Your News

We're your local independent newspaper covering news and events across beautiful Bath and the close surrounding villages. We're here to help keep Bathonians in the know about what's going on in their city.

Useful Info

  • House Rules
  • Cookie Policy
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Complaints Policy
  • Social Media Policy
© Bath Echo 2021. All rights reserved.
Produced by Media Bath Limited
The Bath Echo website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're okay with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Okay Find Out More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.