Officers encourage public to stay vigilant this winter

We know this time of year is an exciting one for our communities, with so many winter events, markets and concerts on the horizon, as we countdown to all the festivities the season brings.

However, we also know that large gatherings could be attractive targets for terrorist activity. That’s why we are joining with our colleagues in Counter Terrorism Policing to encourage people to stay alert and report anything that doesn’t feel right when they’re out and about across Staffordshire.

The threat to the UK from terrorism is substantial, which means an attack is likely. That’s why we’re asking people to bear this in mind and ACT if they think something doesn’t feel quite right.

We want to make sure that as many people as possible feel reassured that we are doing all we can to keep them safe while they enjoy all that the county has to offer. So, we are collaborating with event organisers and businesses to protect people and encourage them to report any concerns to security and police.

You can play your part by trusting your instincts, and if you see something that doesn’t feel right, tell security at events or tell our officers if you have any concerns.

Our teams will take every report seriously, you won’t be wasting our time, so please stay alert and don’t be reluctant to make a report, as we all have a role to play in keeping each other safe.

Chief Superintendent, Gemma Ward, Protect and Prepare Lead for Counter-Terrorism at Staffordshire Police, said: “We know the terror threat hasn’t gone away.

“Though it is an exciting time for our communities with an increased number of public events and celebrations, it’s important we all play our part in protecting each other.

“That’s why we want to make sure everyone stays alert this winter and reports anything that doesn’t feel quite right.

“You can make reports to event organisers and security staff as well as directly with police.

“Please be reassured that we will take every report seriously - we appreciate you trusting your instincts in letting us know about any concerns.”

To find out more about the Action Counters Terrorism campaign, visit Report possible terrorist or extremist activity | Action Counters Terrorism - Report possible terrorist or extremist activity.

To report any concerns to us, call 101 or use Live Chat on our website. Call 999 in an emergency.