MAG Property have recently attended seminars on hostile reconnaissance and suspicious activity to ensure that our tenants are aware of what to do if they see something unusual or if an attack was to happen at their work place.
Recent events in Orlando and Paris reminds us all of the threat we face, which in the UK is considered as ‘severe’, meaning an attack is highly likely.
The level of threat is complex and ranges from lone actors intent on carrying out crude and violent attacks to sophisticated networks pursuing ambitious and coordinated plots – as we saw starkly demonstrated in France and other parts of the world.
How can you help?
Every time that hostile reconnaissance is undertaken those that carry it out are at their most vulnerable to detection. By knowing the kind of behavior to look out for you will be able to recognise when hostile reconnaissance is taking place. This will not only allow the appropriate police action to take place but may lead to investigations and arrests.
What are key behaviors that may indicate hostile reconnaissance?
- Entering a restricted area
- Making observations (from a restricted or sensitive area)
- Taking measurements (counting footsteps or measuring distance)
- Drawing diagrams (or taking notes without good cause)
- Take photographs (that are suspicious)
- Taking video footage (that is suspicious)
- Paying attention to security (security measures or access areas)
- Using anti-surveillance techniques (doubling back, changing appearance)
- Testing existing security (testing access, abandoning items)
- Asking questions about security (security levels, duty times, CCTV)
- Failing to comply with security
- Parking a vehicle in a restricted area (or abandoning a vehicle without authority)
It’s probably nothing but…
Activities or events which may raise your concerns for suspicion may not fall into the category of hostile reconnaissance but still need reporting. Here are some examples of suspicious activity.
Somebody who…
- Is behaving noticeably differently
- Is suspected of being involved in radicalisation
- Is taking an unnatural interest in security measures
- Is distributing what appears to be extremist literature
- Uses an unusually large number of mobile phones
- Has bought or is storing large amounts of chemicals
- Has dramatically changed their physical appearance
- Holds passports or other documents in different names
DON’T RELY ON OTHERS
IF YOU SUSPECT IT
REPORT IT
For more information visit: http://www.mi5.gov.uk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jxOXbpTmnk