Safety Advice for the Public
It’s important to be alert, but not alarmed. With a little bit of knowledge you can increase your safety and know what to do if you see or hear something that doesn’t feel right.
Staying safe at gigs & festivals
Counter Terrorism Policing wants live music fans to #BeSafeBeSound, as it collaborates with the UK’s biggest music venues, arena’s and festivals to deliver vital safety advice to the public.
Are you heading to a gig or festival? Have an amazing time, but if you see something that doesn’t feel right, report it to security staff straight away.
Here are some quick tips to help you have a safe and enjoyable time.
- Arrive early for extra security measures. This will help prevent delays in getting into the event.
- Be patient with security checks and don’t give security, staff or stewards a hard time. It might seem inconvenient, but these measures are in place to help you.
- It is essential that you don’t bring unnecessary items to the event; this will help to speed up searches and your entry to the event.
- If you spot someone acting suspiciously, report it to police or to security staff immediately: don’t leave it to someone else.
- In an emergency, if you think there is an immediate risk, always call 999 and look around you for help from staff – especially those with radios who can raise the alarm quickly.
- Don’t leave bags unattended or anywhere they could cause a security scare. And never agree to look after anyone else’s bags, no matter how genuine they seem.
- If there is an incident, listen to staff and any announcements.
- Remember, the chance of being caught in a terrorism incident is small. But if it happens – Run, Hide, Tell.
Staying safe at sports events
While there is no specific threat to sporting events, Counter Terrorism Policing have worked alongside the Premier League, English Football League, all 92 football league clubs, as well as Premiership Rugby.
The cooperation between the public and the police is a powerful defence. Fans can play their part by remembering these tactics:
- Arrive early, allowing more time for security checks
- Minimise what you carry, fewer bag searches will speed up entry to the ground
- Be vigilant at all times and if you see anything that doesn’t seem right, tell a steward right away
- If you see anything that could pose an immediate threat to safety, call 999
- In an emergency, listen to the Public Address instructions and follow them
- If told to evacuate, do so immediately, do not wait around to film events on your mobile
- Move right away from the stadium as quickly as possible for your safety and to allow clear access for any emergency vehicles
- Once you are safe, follow the local police force on Twitter for updates
Staying safe on holiday
The chances of being caught up in a terrorist incident are low but sadly we have seen atrocities take place in the UK and abroad. It is important everyone stays alert and knows what to do if the worst was to happen.
Before you head off on holiday, there are 3 things you should do:
- Check the latest UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice for the country you are visiting
- Make sure you have adequate travel insurance – check the small print
- Watch our holiday safety film
If you find yourself in an emergency:
RUN – to a place of safety. This is better than trying to surrender or negotiate.
HIDE – it is better to hide than confront. Barricade yourself in, turn your phone to silent and use only when it is safe to do so.
TELL – Make sure you know the local emergency numbers in the country you are travelling to. For all EU countries call 112.
Seen or heard something that doesn’t feel right?
We need your help to stop terrorists being able to plan, prepare and carry out attacks, groom or recruit people or encourage others to carry out attacks. You may have seen or heard something that could be that vital piece of information that will help to stop a terrorist attack.
Report online at gov.uk/ACT
If you see or hear something that doesn’t feel right, report it online and in confidence at gov.uk/ACT
In an emergency call 999.
ACT Early
If you are concerned that a loved one may be vulnerable to radicalisation, visit ACT Early for further information on signs to look out for and how to seek support.
ProtectUK
Whether you are a business owner, work in security, or are a member of the public, ProtectUK provides vital counter terrorism security information including training materials, protective guidance, and campaign toolkits.