Senior police officials have issued a direct plea to the public to report any unusual or suspicious behaviour they witness this Christmas period. The call comes in the wake of recent terror attacks, including the stabbing at a Manchester synagogue and the incident at Bondi Beach in Australia.
A Shared Responsibility for Safety
Counter Terrorism Policing and the British Transport Police (BTP) have launched a joint campaign, emphasising that community vigilance is a crucial part of national security. They stress that people should not hesitate to contact authorities if something feels wrong, reassuring the public that they will not be wasting police time.
Lucy D'Orsi, the Chief Constable of the British Transport Police, stated: "Often, if you're a regular commuter, you know what's routine on your journey. You know what stands out as being a little bit different. We do see a lot where people think, 'Oh, I won't bother the police about this.' Actually, we do want to be bothered about things that are causing concern."
Heightened Vigilance After Recent Attacks
The appeal for increased public awareness follows a troubling period for both the UK and international communities. Jon Savell, the Metropolitan Police's Deputy Assistant Commissioner, referenced the recent attacks, stating the force enters the festive season with these "awful acts fresh in our minds."
He added: "These awful acts remind us that the vigilance of our communities has never been more important. Staying safe is a shared responsibility. Every single report we receive from the public is important; you won't be wasting our time."
To bolster public confidence, extra officers will be deployed across the public transport network over the Christmas period. This move also serves as a response to the fatal stabbing on a train in Huntingdon six weeks ago.
How to Report and Why It Matters
Police advise the public to trust their instincts. A concern can be raised simply by alerting staff or security at a venue, or by contacting the police directly. Last year, more than 250,000 incidents were reported to the anti-terrorism hotline, with around one in five leading to further investigation by officers.
Key actions the public are urged to take include:
- Observing their regular environment for anything out of the ordinary.
- Reporting concerns without delay, either online, by phone, or by texting the BTP.
- Not assuming someone else will make the report.
Anyone wanting to report suspicious activity specifically on the transport network is asked to text the British Transport Police on 61016. The overarching message from police chiefs is clear: public cooperation is essential to prevent crime and terrorism, especially during the busy winter season.
