Police urge winter vigilance as terror threat substantial

Counter Terrorism Policing North East and Durham Constabulary have issued a winter safety appeal as crowds gather across the region for Christmas markets, shopping and seasonal events.

The agencies said the national threat level remains at substantial, meaning an attack is considered likely, and asked the public to report anything that feels out of place.

Superintendent Mark Jessop, Head of Protect and Prepare at Counter Terrorism Policing North East, said “we’re delighted to team up with Durham Constabulary to launch regional support for this year’s winter vigilance campaign” and noted that police and security services face a particularly busy period through December. He added that “the terrorist threat hasn’t gone away” and stressed that although there is no specific intelligence relating to Durham, public reporting remains critical.

Jessop said “Counter Terrorism Policing is working around the clock with MI5 and other partners” and highlighted that more terrorism related arrests occurred last year than in previous years. He urged people to report concerns without hesitation, stating “don’t worry that you’re wasting our time, we take every report seriously.”

Recent national figures show that 19 late stage attack plots have been disrupted since 2020, including three last year. Police forces around the country, including in Durham, are taking precautionary steps to deter hostile activity and reinforce public awareness.

Superintendent Dean Haythornthwaite of Durham Constabulary said officers work continuously to keep the area safe and welcomed the joint campaign. He encouraged residents to report suspicious activity, saying this would “help us to keep the streets safe where you live.”

The national Winter Vigilance Campaign runs from 3 November to 5 January and is being rolled out at high footfall locations and online. Officials emphasise the value of public participation: potential threats or suspicious behaviour can be reported in confidence on 0800 789 321 or via gov.uk/ACT, with emergencies directed to 999.