PREVENT- Counter Terrorism
The Government’s counter terrorism strategy, CONTEST, aims to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting extremism. It addresses all forms of terrorism but continues to prioritise according to the threat posed to national security.
It has four key strands, known as the 4 Ps:
- pursue: stopping terrorist attacks
- protect: strengthening protection against terrorist attacks
- prepare: where an attack cannot be stopped, mitigating its impact
- prevent: stopping people becoming terrorists or supporting violent extremism.
Current threat level
Threat levels are designed to give a broad indication of the likelihood of a terrorist attack. There are 5 levels of threat:
- low: an attack is unlikely
- moderate: an attack is possible but not likely
- substantial: an attack is a strong possibility
- severe: an attack is highly likely
- critical: an attack is expected imminently.
The current threat from terrorism can be viewed on the MI5 website.
Seeking support, advice or help
Radicalisation is the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and extremist ideologies. If you are worried someone close to you is becoming radicalised act early and seek help. The sooner you reach out, the quicker the person you care about can be protected from being groomed and exploited by extremists.
Both the police and local authorities have specially trained staff who work with professionals in a variety of sectors to support vulnerable people move away from extremism. They are here to listen and offer help and advice.
Friends and family are best placed to spot the signs, so trust your instincts and share your concerns in confidence.
We can help if you act early. You won’t be wasting time and you won’t ruin lives, but you might save them. Receiving support is voluntary.
To find out more about how to help someone close to you, visit www.actearly.uk
Lancashire Prevent Contacts:
If you have concerns about someone and would like more advice ring:
- Local Authority Prevent team: 01254 585 260
- Police Prevent Team: 01772 413398
- If you think a threat is imminent call the police on 999
- Alternatively contact the police confidentially on the Anti-terrorist hotline 0800 789 321.
- Report your concerns to concern@lancashire.pnn.police.uk.
Run Hide Tell
In the rare event of a firearms or weapons attack:
Run to a place of safety – this is a better option than to surrender or negotiate
Hide and remember to turn your phone to silent and turn off vibrate. Barricade yourself in if you can
Tell the police by calling 999 when it is safe to do so.