The United Kingdom Terror Threat Levels (UK Threat Levels) are the alert statuses that have been in use since 1 August 2006 by the government to warn of level of forms of terrorist activity.
There are 5 levels designed to give a broad indication of the likelihood of a terrorist attack
• LOW means an attack is highly unlikely
• MODERATE means an attack is possible, but not likely
• SUBSTANTIAL means an attack is likely
• SEVERE means an attack is highly likely
• CRITICAL means an attack is highly likely in the near future
The UK Threat Level was raised to SEVERE by the Home Secretary on 3rd November following recent attacks in Europe that have been linked to terrorism.
What the threat levels mean
Threat levels are designed to give a broad indication of the likelihood of a terrorist attack.
LOW means an attack is highly unlikely
MODERATE means an attack is possible, but not likely
SUBSTANTIAL means an attack is likely
SEVERE means an attack is highly likely
CRITICAL means an attack is highly likely in the near future
In addition the HOT protocols are reiterated, this acronym is used by the National Counter Terrorism Security Office and British Transport Police for the process for dealing with lost or unattended items. If after applying the HOT protocols you still believe the item to be suspicious, call 999
HOT = Hidden, Obvious, Typical
Hidden:
has item been concealed or hidden from view? (Bombs are unlikely to be left in locations such as this, where any unattended item will be noticed quickly)
Obviously Suspicious:
Does it have wires, circuit boards, batteries, tape or putty-like substances?
Typical:
Is the item typical of what you would expect to find in this location?