Woking is a low risk town for terrorist activity, but we still need to be alert to tensions and extremist groups in our communities.
Potential extremist activity can take many forms. For example:
- distributing leaflets or displaying posters that carry a violent extremist message.
- accessing violent extremist forums or websites in internet cafes.
- extremist groups meeting at community centres.
- viewing terrorist/violent extremist promotional videos.
Report a threat
To report a potentially immediate threat, such as a suspicious vehicle or package, call 999 straight away.
If you suspect someone of extremist activity, phone Surrey Police on 101 or the national anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321.
Read Surrey Police’s counter terrorism information
How to spot the early signs of radicalisation in other people
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.
Police forces across the country have specially trained Prevent officers who work with professionals in health, education, local authorities and charities, as well as faith and community groups to help vulnerable people move away from extremism. They are here to listen and offer help and advice. Receiving support is voluntary.
Friends and family are best placed to spot the signs, so trust your instincts and share your concerns in confidence.
They can help if you act early. You won't be wasting police time and you won’t ruin lives, but you might save them.
Find out how to spot the signs of terrorism radicalisation
The government's strategy
The government's counter-terrorism strategy is known as CONTEST strategy. One aspect of this is the prevent strategy which aims to disrupt extremist organisations from operating within our communities. You can read more about this on the government website.
Similar to strategies in child protection and combating racism, prevent is driven by a multitude of groups with influence at the local level.
In Surrey, the Prevent Executive Group comprises representatives from borough and district councils like Woking, Surrey County Council, Surrey Police, youth justice, prison service, probation service, NHS and South East Coast Ambulance Service.