Code:SEVERE – A Podcast Series
The untold stories of terrorist attacks from the files of Counter Terrorism Policing.
Code:SEVERE reveals how major terrorist plots in the UK were foiled by Counter Terrorism Policing. Each story is told by detectives, counter terrorism officers, witnesses and the terrorists themselves.
Episode One: Multiple Bombings
A man buying 600kg of fertiliser at a store told staff it was for his allotment… but that’s enough to cover five football pitches… and fertiliser is also used to make bombs.
Listen and find out how Counter Terrorism Policing tracked a terrorist cell, who were planning an attack in Britain targeting shopping centres, power companies and nightclubs.
They were what we would describe as players, they’d been abroad, they’d been to training camps and I think they’d rubbed shoulders with other people who have moved on to commit terrorist attacks in the UK and abroad.
The three elements of a terrorist; you have to be ready, willing, able and all three coming together at the same time is when your tipping point comes. We knew they were ready and willing but we just didn’t know they were able.
As one of the UK’s largest ever counter terrorism investigations unfolds – known as Operation Crevice – you’ll hear the parts of the jigsaw which led to armed raids, with 700 officers searching two dozen locations throughout the country.
Officers discovered a military training manual, a CD detailing Britain’s gas and and electricity systems, an explosives handbook plus bomb making chemicals and remote control detonation devices.
Five men were jailed for life, but more importantly hundreds of lives were saved, because someone decided to ACT on their concerns.
#FactFriday | Listen to our podcast and hear how members of the public helped Counter Terrorism Police solve one of the largest terrorism investigations in the UK ⬇️
Search "Code Severe" on @Spotify for the full episode | #ActionCountersTerrorism pic.twitter.com/wYdhfhKPDd
— Counter Terrorism Policing (@TerrorismPolice) March 12, 2021
Episode Two: Hostile Reconnaissance
A busy shopping centre, ordinary people are going about their day, unaware a 19-year-old self-radicalised terrorist, is also there making plans to carry out an attack.
Hear how Counter Terrorism Policing foiled a plot which, if successful, could have caused serious harm and loss of life.
From making notes in a shopping centre, asking strange questions, buying unusual items, sharing extremist views, a change in behaviour… would you report it?
There were opportunities and occasions where the terror suspect could have been reported to police. We’re urging you to spot the signs of terrorist planning and report it.
🔊 Hear how one call from the public was the missing piece of the puzzle in one of the UK's biggest terrorism investigations 🧩
Search "Code Severe" on @Spotify for the full podcast | #ActionCountersTerrorism pic.twitter.com/WHMiJq9cYS
— Counter Terrorism Policing (@TerrorismPolice) April 13, 2020
Seen or heard something that doesn’t feel right?
We need your help to stop terrorists being able to plan, prepare and carry out attacks, groom or recruit people or encourage others to carry out attacks. You may have seen or heard something that could be that vital piece of information that will help to stop a terrorist attack.
Report online at gov.uk/ACT
If you see or hear something that doesn’t feel right, report it online and in confidence at gov.uk/ACT
In an emergency call 999.
ACT Early
If you are concerned that a loved one may be vulnerable to radicalisation, visit ACT Early for further information on signs to look out for and how to seek support.
ProtectUK
Whether you are a business owner, work in security, or are a member of the public, ProtectUK provides vital counter terrorism security information including training materials, protective guidance, and campaign toolkits.