Police ‘relying on public’ to spot suspected terror activity as tip-offs rise Police are “relying on the public” to spot suspected terror activity during the festive period as tip-offs rise by half, a senior officer has said.
Christmas shopping, festive markets, pantomimes and concerts could attract terror activity, CTP warned, as it reminded people “everyone has a role to play in keeping each other safe” by spotting and reporting suspicious activity.
As a result, the public acting as officers’ “eyes and ears” is now “the fundamental thing” in policing terrorism, he added, speaking in his role as senior national co-ordinator for the Government’s “protect and prepare” counter-terrorism strategy.
Mr Savell walked through a busy Christmas market at London Bridge with security minister Dan Jarvis on Thursday afternoon, discussing terror policing during the winter months.
There were 52 more arrests for terrorism offences last year than in 2022 – an increase of 31% and the highest number in a single year since 2019.
