If an item appears suspicious, do not touch or move it. Keep people away, alert building security and call Police. The SGSecure app can be used to submit appropriate suspicious sightings, but an immediate threat needs an emergency call.
This guide is written for a member of the public who notices an unattended item or suspicious activity. It resolves a specific job: take safe, proportionate action without touching the item or spreading unverified claims. Start with the branch that matches the facts, then keep the supporting record until the transaction, visit, filing or safety task is complete.
Choose the branch before acting
| Your situation | Next move |
|---|---|
| Immediate danger, threats or active violence | Move to safety and call 999 |
| Suspicious unattended item without an active attack | Do not touch it; clear the immediate area, alert security and call Police |
| Concerning behaviour or preparatory activity | Record only safe observations and report through the appropriate official channel |
| Rumour or forwarded image without direct knowledge | Do not amplify it; check official alerts |
Do not combine branches merely because two labels sound similar. The correct branch depends on the actual person, date, property, product, service or location involved. If one fact is unknown, pause at that row and verify it instead of carrying an assumption into the rest of the task.
Pause before approaching
Curiosity can destroy evidence or expose someone to danger. The current position is set out by SGSecure tell-tale indicators.
Stop at a safe distance and prevent others from handling the item. Add the relevant date, document, amount, location or responsible person to the same record. That makes the choice reproducible and prevents a broad rule from being applied to the wrong facts.
Look for context from safety
SGSecure suggests asking whether the item is typical for the location and noting suspicious placement or accompanying behaviour. The supporting detail is available from SGSecure protective-security advisory.
Observe only what can be seen without getting closer or opening anything. Add the relevant date, document, amount, location or responsible person to the same record. That makes the choice reproducible and prevents a broad rule from being applied to the wrong facts.
Move people away calmly
A dramatic announcement can create panic while silence leaves others exposed.
Use clear, neutral language and follow security or Police instructions. Add the relevant date, document, amount, location or responsible person to the same record. That makes the choice reproducible and prevents a broad rule from being applied to the wrong facts.
Use the right channel
999 is for immediate Police assistance; building security can control local access, and SGSecure can carry appropriate sighting information.
Do not let app reporting delay an emergency call. Add the relevant date, document, amount, location or responsible person to the same record. That makes the choice reproducible and prevents a broad rule from being applied to the wrong facts.
Report useful facts
Location, time, object description, nearby people or vehicle and direction of travel can help responders.
State what was actually observed and label uncertainty. Add the relevant date, document, amount, location or responsible person to the same record. That makes the choice reproducible and prevents a broad rule from being applied to the wrong facts.
Protect responder access
Crowding, filming and blocking exits can make the situation harder to manage.
Leave routes open and do not return for photographs or belongings until cleared. Add the relevant date, document, amount, location or responsible person to the same record. That makes the choice reproducible and prevents a broad rule from being applied to the wrong facts.
Stop rumours
An unverified label can cause fear and harm innocent people.
Share official instructions, not speculation about motive or identity. Add the relevant date, document, amount, location or responsible person to the same record. That makes the choice reproducible and prevents a broad rule from being applied to the wrong facts.
Worked example
A bag left beside a restricted service door with wires visible should not be photographed at close range or opened. Move away, warn people nearby without shouting a diagnosis, alert security and call Police with the exact location and observable details.
The example is a calculation or planning model, not a promise about an individual outcome. Replace every example input with the live figure, document, route condition or case fact. Keep intermediate workings, because rounding too early or skipping one stage can produce an answer that looks plausible but cannot be checked.
Build one usable decision file
Create a short record with four columns: fact, evidence, effect on the decision and next owner. Put the controlling rule beside the particular fact it governs. A page about the right subject is not enough if it does not contain the number, deadline, eligibility test or operational detail used in the decision.
Save a dated copy or acknowledgement when the task is time-sensitive. If another person needs to continue the work, they should be able to see what was checked, what remains uncertain and which official channel can resolve it. This is especially important where contracts, money, employment, safety or personal data are involved.
Final check
- Do not touch or move the item
- Increase distance
- Move others away calmly
- Alert site security
- Call 999 for immediate Police help
- Give exact observable details
- Follow official instructions and do not spread rumours
Responders decide the threat and safe perimeter. Personal safety comes before collecting detail.
Related LBRD guides
You may also need to choose the right Police reporting route for non-emergency information. For the next adjacent task, use the correct emergency number.
