3. Being security-minded
Your approach to the risks from domestic extremism, including animal rights extremism, should be the same as your approach any other risk to your personal safety. You should plan for that risk in the same way.
Having decided what you need to protect, you will need put in place appropriate security measures.
You will also need to develop pre-planned responses for dealing with any domestic extremist incidents that may occur, including:
- when you are at home
- when you are in your car
- when you are on your own
- when you are with other people.
Progressing your personal security plan
Seek advice from people with experience of planning to deal with domestic extremism who can give you good advice – such as local police force Crime Reduction Officers (CROs) or the person with responsibility for security in the organisation you work for.
Take appropriate home and personal security measures:
- Install suitable home security measures – good quality doors and locks, movement-sensitive exterior lighting, intruder alarm system and so on.
A CRO can advise you on home security measures. They can also put you in touch with your local Neighbourhood Watch and Business Watch.
Make contact with your local police:
- Seek advice about what you should do in the event of specific domestic extremist incidents and who you should contact within your local police force.
Remember, domestic extremist campaigns follow an escalating pattern of core tactics. The police will need to know about peaceful, non-emergency incidents – such as polite contact during Phase 1: Lawful protest, as well as unlawful actions – such as during in Phase 2: Criminal activity, in order to fully investigate any domestic extremist campaign against you.
Go to 'Domestic extremist tactics' for more information.
- Keep the telephone number of your local police station with you at all times. Keep a note of it next to your telephone, put it in the electronic phonebook on your mobile phone, write it in your diary or address book.
Implementing your personal security plan
To be able to successfully implement your personal security plan, you will need the cooperation of other members of your household.
You will also need the cooperation of any other people connected to you who may be also affected by the domestic extremist risks that you face. This may include your friends, neighbours and other people in your community.
Your family, friends, neighbours can make a valuable contribution in helping to improve your personal security.
You should discuss the risks from domestic extremism that you face and the security measures you have put in place.
Give only the information that they need to have. Members of your household – your partner, flat-mates, children – will need to know more about the risks that could affect them and any security measures, than people who do not live with you.
Remember to keep the threats in perspective:
Domestic extremists, particularly animal rights extremists, deliberately set out to create a climate of fear. The fear of domestic extremist attacks, however, is greater than the reality. The number of domestic extremist crimes, including ARE crimes, is in fact very small in relation to the threats made by domestic extremists. Violent attacks by domestic extremists are even more rare.
Be factual:
Your purpose is to alert people to any risk that might affect them. Do not cause alarm – don't do the work of domestic extremists for them.
