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uk Personal safety & immediate danger someone entering restricted area • trying to access restricted door • suspicious person near secure entrance • unauthorized access attempt • tailgating through security door • forced entry at a secure site • worrying behaviour at a secure area • suspicious activity in a public building • suspicious activity at a workplace • trespass into staff only area • person without badge in secure zone • security breach concern • possible threat escalation • might be planning harm • suspicious person near critical infrastructure • you feel unsafe reporting • what to do if you see a security risk • unsure whether to call police

What to do if…
you see someone trying to access a restricted area and you are worried it could lead to harm

Short answer

Create distance and alert the right people immediately: on-site security/staff first, and call 999 if there’s any immediate danger or a crime in progress.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t confront, block, grab, or “test” the person yourself.
  • Don’t follow them into the restricted area or try to “catch them on camera” up close.
  • Don’t shout accusations in a crowded space if it could escalate panic or provoke violence.
  • Don’t assume “it’s probably fine” if your instincts say it could become harmful.
  • Don’t share identifying images/video of the person publicly while it’s ongoing (it can hinder response and inflame the situation).

What to do now

  1. Pause, create space, and pick a safer position.
    Step back behind a barrier/doorway, keep exits clear, and put solid cover (a wall/column) between you and the person if possible.

  2. Alert on-site security or staff immediately (fastest local response).
    Use the nearest staffed point (reception, control room, steward, guard, duty manager). If there’s an internal emergency number, radio call, or panic alarm, use it.

  3. Decide: emergency response or report.

    • Call 999 if the person is forcing entry, has a weapon, is making threats, is behaving violently, or you think someone is in immediate danger.
    • If it’s not an emergency, contact police via 101 or your local force’s online reporting route (many forces allow this).

  4. Give a clear, practical description (this matters more than theories).
    Say: exact location, what you saw (e.g., “trying doors”, “tailgating behind staff”, “climbing a fence”), direction of travel, and a brief description (clothing, approximate age/height, distinguishing features). Mention any immediate risks (near children, chemicals, machinery, crowded event, etc.).

  5. If you’re on the rail/tube network, use the rail reporting route (non-emergency).
    Tell rail staff, or contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 for non-emergency concerns. If there’s immediate danger, use 999.

  6. If it feels terrorism-related, use counter-terrorism reporting routes.

    • Emergency / immediate threat: call 999.
    • Not an emergency: you can call the Anti-Terrorism Hotline (0800 789 321) or use the official online reporting route. Your information will be assessed by specialist teams, even if you’re unsure.

  7. After you’ve reported, stop intervening and stay available.
    Move to a safer place. If safe, remain nearby (out of sight) in case responders call back for clarification.

What can wait

  • You don’t need to decide right now whether it was “definitely criminal” or “definitely terrorism”.
  • You don’t need to gather proof, identify the person, or post about it online.
  • You don’t need to write a full statement immediately—just pass the key facts so responders can act.

Important reassurance

It’s common to feel unsure about “overreacting” in moments like this. Reporting a potential security breach is a reasonable, safety-focused action—especially when your concern is harm prevention.

Scope note

These are first steps for the earliest safe pause. Your workplace/venue may have specific security procedures; follow them once you’re safe and have raised the alert.

Important note

This is general information, not legal or professional security advice. If you think anyone is in immediate danger, prioritise getting to safety and calling emergency services.

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