A Genuine Question

[Barsel]

Now we have been told to be vigilant because of the 2 recent terrorist attacks, what does that mean exactly, how do we do this?
Earlier today I answered the door to a foreign man who spoke 3 words to me in this order, parcel, picture, name?
As he walked away I looked down and saw a box on my doormat.
Did I think to myself mmmm this could be suspicious?
Of course not. I thanked him and brought the box inside.
What are we supposed to be looking for?

[McMouse]

I’d look for a bomb disposal expert.

[Cloverjo]

Anyone who looks a bit dodgy, I suppose. Big backpack.
Mind, people’s vigilance wasn’t rewarded at the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester. So many people talked to security about the guy, but were told “We’re keeping an eye on him.” Oh great! That’ll help

[Mozz71]

Was the box ticking?

[barry1010]

Was you expecting a parcel? This is how Amazon delivers now.

I wouldn't worry about it, I can't see a terrorist blowing up a random house.

[bookbinder]

This is a good question, Barsel. Some might say that we should look for boxes with wires hanging out, or hand grenades in somebody's shopping bag. I reckon that this kind of warning might just result in some nosy householder reporting their neighbour for what they see as 'odd' behaviour, and that could result in the security services' wasting a lot of time.

[ichkeria]

I don't think you are supposed to be actively looking anything.
From the MI5 website:
"Threat levels in themselves do not require specific responses from the public. They are a tool for security practitioners working across different sectors of the Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) and the police to use in determining what protective security response may be required.
Vigilance is vital regardless of the current national threat level. It is especially important given the current national threat. Sharing national threat levels with the general public keeps everyone informed. It explains the context for the various security measures (for example airport security or bag searches) which we may encounter in our daily lives."

The case of a foreign man leaving a package on your doorstep might be a cause for alarm at any time, but plainly not if you expecting a takeaway for a delivery from Amazon.
The threat level has almost certainly been raised because of intelligence or information received, maybe as a result of the most recent attack. It probably won't simply be because there have been two attacks in the last month or so.

[Barsel]

I'm trying to be serious here as I really don't know what we are supposed to be looking for.
Yes Mozz but then I remembered I'd ordered a clock!

[Mamyalynne]

Same as we did years ago, be cautious, report bags and such left lying around(don't go through them).

Don't accept a parcel you weren't expecting without checking the credentials of the person at the door.

[naomi24]

I think it’s really meant for public places - shopping centres, railway stations, that sort of thing.

[Barsel]

I was expecting a parcel but not until Friday.
Mamya, I don't know if he would have understood me and he was driving a plain white van, so nothing I could check up on.
I do realise of course that the chances of someone wanting to blow me up would be ridiculous, but I wondered how far would you go if you saw something suspicious and what sort of thing would you consider to be suspicious?

[ichkeria]

I think it's a question of using common sense.
As the link explains, vigilance is encouraged at all times, not just at times of heightened threat.
As naomi says, it's public places where it probably is most relevant.

[Mamyalynne]

Napmi makes a fair point, in your own home it's highly unlikely you'd become a target.

Imagine you are sat on a park bench and the person at the other end gets up to leave and their bag remains on the ground - instinct may prompt us to pick it up and run after them - safety decrees otherwise.

[Mamyalynne]

* Naomi

[naomi24]

If you really are suspicious of something call the police.

[Barsel]

In the Manchester Evening news today.
Just what you could do without, especially at this time of the year.
Do you think it will happen often?

There is a huge police presence outside a Sainsbury's and TK Maxx in Oldham this afternoon after a suspicious item was found.

Pictures taken at the scene showed a cordon around the stores on Union Street, with both evacuated.

Officers have been stationed outside the shop and several police vehicles were pictured in the car park.

The item was later found to not be suspicious and the cordon lifted.

[Mamyalynne]

That used to happen where I worked many moons ago Barsel, elderly ladies leaving their handbags and even though we knew in our hearts they weren't suspicious we were trained to report.

Evacuation and standing on the street in all weathers.

[naomi24]

Barsel, I think we just have to get on with life - and keep our wits about us in crowded places.

[Khandro]

If you see a man who looks suspiciously bulky around his middle & he looks a little nervous & is sweating profusely, you have got two choices, either be hero, or run, but whatever you do, don't stand next to him.

[ichkeria]

What often happens I suspect is that after a security warning the police probably receive calls more from the public for a few days.

[Barsel]

I think I might turn into a nervous wreck if I become so suspicious.

Good point Mamya ///Imagine you are sat on a park bench and the person at the other end gets up to leave and their bag remains on the ground - instinct may prompt us to pick it up and run after them - safety decrees otherwise.///
Would we go with our instinct though?