It may seem insignificant, but your call could be vital.

Trust your instincts - it could disrupt terrorist planning and save lives. That's the message from Sussex Police as we encourage use of the confidential anti-terrorist hotline.

Unusual activity or behaviour which seems out of place may be terrorist-related - and anyone who notices such behaviour is being urged to pass on any information via the freephone hotline on 0800 789 321.

Terrorism. If you suspect it, report it.

Terrorists won't succeed if suspicious activity is reported by members of the public, and that somebody could be you.

If you think that you may have seen something suspicious or you are unsure about somebody’s activities or behaviour, however insignificant it may seem at the time, call the hotline. Calls are taken in confidence by specialist officers who will analyse your information. They’ll decide if and how to follow it up. Your call could be vital to us, however unsure you may be.

There is no room for complacency.

The terrorist threat remains real and there is no room for complacency. The public should remain alert and aware of their surroundings at all times. If something strikes you as suspicious and out of place then trust your instincts and call the police.

Terrorists have to live somewhere. They store their equipment and materials somewhere. They need vehicles. They have people who help them - and these people might come and go at strange times of the day and night. They may make unusual financial transactions or use false documents to hide their real identities. Perhaps someone you know has been behaving differently lately?

The following are just some of the things you should be looking out for:

• Transport – Terrorists need transport. If you work in commercial vehicle hire or sales, has a sale or rental made you suspicious?
• Documentation – Terrorists use multiple identities. Do you know someone with documents in different names for no obvious reason?
• Mobile phones – Terrorists need communication. Anonymous, pay-as-you-go and stolen mobiles are typical. Have you seen someone with large quantities of mobile phones? Has it made you suspicious?
• Cameras – Terrorists need information. Observation and surveillance help terrorists plan attacks. Have you seen anyone taking pictures of security arrangements?
• Chemicals – Do you know someone buying large or unusual quantities of chemicals for no obvious reason?
• Mask and goggles – Terrorists use protective equipment. Handling chemicals is dangerous. Maybe you’ve seen goggles or masks dumped somewhere?
• Credit cards – Terrorists need funding. Cheque and credit card fraud are ways terrorists generate cash. Have you seen any suspicious transactions?
• Computers – Terrorists use computers. Do you know someone who visits terrorist-related websites?
• Travel – Terrorists need to travel. Meetings, training and planning can take place anywhere. Do you know someone who travels but is vague about where they are going?
• Storage – Terrorists need storage. Lock-ups, garages and sheds can all be used by terrorists to store equipment. Are you suspicious of anyone renting a commercial property?

All calls are treated in the strictest confidence.

Q: I am concerned that someone will find out I have contacted the Anti-Terrorist hotline.
A: We understand that people might have reservations about contacting the police - either because their friends or family may find out, or because their suspicions may prove to have innocent explanations. However, we can reassure the public that all calls and information are treated in the strictest of confidence.

Q: What happens if the information I give is wrong?
A: We know that people who contact the hotline do so in good faith. All information received by the hotline is thoroughly researched and investigated before any police action is considered. Let the police decide if the information you have is important. Members of the public may unknowingly have information which could be a crucial piece of the investigative jigsaw. If you suspect it, report it .

Q: Do the police target specific communities when investigating terrorism?
A: We can categorically state that no individual is targeted by police because of their culture, faith, race or religion. Police inquiries are carried out under the provisions of existing UK law which takes into account the human and legal rights of those involved. Terrorist investigations go where the intelligence and evidence takes them.

Every effort is made by police to ensure that minority communities are not criminalized or victimised in any way. The overwhelming majority of the Muslim community are law abiding and reject all forms of violence.

The bedrock of British policing has always been to work with, for and on behalf of all the communities we serve. It would be counter-productive for us to target any specific community as it is not police actions alone that will ultimately defeat terrorism, but the combined actions of all communities.

We need the support and confidence of communities to improve the two-way flow of information. Good quality information ultimately leads to the arrest and prosecution of terrorists, protecting the whole community in the process.

Communities can defeat terrorism.