Prevent

Supported by a range of services across the council, in conjunction with of Community Planning Partners, the council's approach has been developed in response to the Counter Terrorism and Security Act (2015), the UK Government's Prevent Strategy, designed to stop people from supporting or becoming involved in both violent and non-violent extremism.

For more information on the UK Government's Prevent Strategy, please see Get help for radicalisation concerns - GOV.UK (opens new window)

Whilst there is no single profile of a person susceptible to grooming by extremists, organisations often try to recruit people who are easily influenced or vulnerable, both in person and online. Prevent works to protect vulnerable people from becoming involved in extremist-related activity by:

• identifying those most at risk
• assessing the nature and extent of that risk
• developing the most appropriate support plan for the individuals concerned
• providing help with mental health, emotional and drug or alcohol abuse issues, as well as education and career advice

Early intervention is key and if the signs are spotted early and acted upon, it not only safeguards the person concerned, but also helps to protect those living and working in the county.

How you can help

Prevent relies on community support and information to identify and protect people. If you are concerned that a friend, neighbour or relative is at risk of being exploited or becoming involved in terrorism or extremist activity, you should inform the council or Police Scotland.

A radical person holds radical views on political or social issues but this does not necessarily mean that person will go on to carry out a terrorist act.

Do you know what factors can lead a person to become an extremist/ terrorist?

• Family Upheaval
• Drugs/ Crime
• Low Esteem
• Lack of Knowledge
• Media influence
• Social exclusion

Do you know what signs may indicate radicalisation?

• Expression of opinions - including support for violence and terrorism, a rejection of the rule of law and of the elected government of this country.
• Possession of certain types of material - including extremist literature and images, in printed or digital form.
• Behaviour and cultural changes - such as hostility to associates and family, association with organisations that hold or promote extremist views.
• Personal history - claims or evidence of attending training with extremist organisations, involvement with organisations voicing violent extremist ideology.
• Where people use certain signs and symbols it can be indicative of radicalisation.

Concerned that someone you know may be at risk of being drawn into terrorism?

If you are a member of the public who is concerned that someone you know may be at risk of being drawn into terrorism, don't rely on others to report it. 

Immediate threat

If you have seen a person acting suspiciously or if you see a vehicle, unattended package or bag which might be an immediate threat, move away and call 999 without delay.

Immediate threat to life - Call 999 without delay.

No immediate threat

If you are concerned about anyone being at risk of radicalisation or suspect they are being encouraged to support terrorism, please share these concerns as soon as possible. If you or anyone else is not in imminent danger and therefore you do not need to call 999, please use the appropriate referral method below.

Please report any concerns you have about an adult or child who you think may be vulnerable to being drawn into extremism by using one of the following methods:

• Contact Police Scotland by dialling 101
• Report your concerns anonymously to CrimeStoppers 0800 555 111
• Call the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321
• Contact the Local Authority Safeguarding team below
• If it is an emergency, always dial 999

If you are a professional (for example a care provider, educator, social worker) and would like to share your concerns or refer someone for support relating to these concerns please use the National Referral Form (Word doc, 120 KB)(opens new window) and submit it by email to preventreferrals@scotland.police.uk as soon as possible.

When submitting the email please copy in preventSPOC@westlothian.gov.uk so that the council's Single Point of Contact (SPOC) is also aware a referral has been made.