Action Counters Terrorism (ACT)

With the enduring terrorist threat, it is now more important than ever that everyone plays their part in tackling terrorism. Your actions could save lives. That’s why Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) is encouraging communities across the country to help the police tackle terrorism and save lives by reporting suspicious behaviour and activity.

Report suspicious behaviour

Like other criminals, terrorists need to plan. If you see or hear something unusual or suspicious, trust your instincts and ACT by reporting it in confidence at gov.uk/ACT or, in an emergency, dial 999.

Within Counter Terrorism Policing we work around the clock to prevent the threat of extremism and terrorism. We also work to pursue active terrorist threats and stop those who seek to do us harm.

Examples of suspicious activity or behaviour

  • hiring large vehicles or similar for no obvious reasons
  • buying or storing a large number of chemicals, fertilisers or gas cylinders for no obvious reasons
  • taking notes or photos of security arrangements, or inspecting CCTV cameras in an unusual way
  • looking at extremist material, including on the so-called Dark Web, or sharing and creating content that promotes or glorifies terrorism
  • someone receiving deliveries for unusual items bought online
  • embracing or actively promoting hateful ideas or extremist ideology
  • possessing firearms or other weapons or showing an interest in obtaining them
  • holding passports or other documents in different names, for no obvious reasons
  • anyone who goes away travelling for long periods of time but is vague about where
  • someone carrying out suspicious or unusual bank transactions
You are not wasting our time, and no call or click will be ignored. What you tell us is treated in the strictest confidence and is thoroughly researched by experienced officers before, and if, any police action is taken.


Any piece of information could be important, it is better to be safe and report it. Visit gov.uk/ACT and remember, trust your instincts and ACT.