The Importance of Reporting Suspicious Activity: Preventing Harm in Our Communities

A recent incident in Hull involving a suspicious package at St Stephen’s Shopping Centre highlights the importance of reporting anything unusual. By staying vigilant and taking immediate action, we can all contribute to keeping our communities safe.

One way to prevent potential harm is to remain vigilant and to report anything suspicious. In this article, we will explore why it’s crucial to report suspicious activity and provide key information on how to do so.

A Reminder of the Importance of Vigilance

A recent event in Hull has highlighted the importance of being vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity. On the evening of 18^th February 2025, Humberside Police responded to concerns over a suspicious package found at St Stephen’s Shopping Centre, leading to a swift and thorough investigation. While the package was ultimately determined to pose “no credible threat,” the incident underscores the critical role that the public plays in ensuring the safety of our communities.

Around 18:20 GMT, emergency services were called to Ferensway, where a 200-meter cordon was placed around the shopping centre, and nearby roads were closed to protect the public. Bomb disposal experts were deployed to examine the package, and the building was evacuated as a precaution. Although the situation was resolved safely, it is a stark reminder of the importance of staying alert and reporting anything suspicious.

Superintendent Phil Booker of Humberside Police assured the public that the package posed no threat, explaining, “The item discovered was a cause for concern at the time and had to be examined by specialists to ensure it was appropriately handled and dealt with, so not to cause any risk or threat to the public.” The package was safely disposed of, and normality was restored later that night when roads were reopened and public transport services resumed.

While the outcome of this incident was reassuring, it is important to note that these situations, although rare, can cause fear and anxiety. As Superintendent Booker mentioned, the local community’s patience and cooperation were essential, and their quick response helped ensure that the area was secured promptly.

This event serves as an important reminder that it can happen here, we all have a responsibility to report anything that seems unusual or potentially dangerous. By doing so, we can prevent potential harm and contribute to the safety of our neighbours and fellow citizens.

Key points

If you see a suspicious package, do not touch it, immediately evacuate the area, and call the police or emergency services to report it; provide details about the location of the package and any unusual features you observed. 

• Never open a suspicious package: This could potentially trigger a dangerous device. 
• Maintain a safe distance: Keep yourself and others away from the package. 
• Report details: When contacting authorities, clearly describe the package’s appearance, location, and any unusual characteristics like wires, ticking sounds, or strange smells. 
• Alert others: If possible, inform people nearby about the suspicious package and encourage them to stay clear. 

reporting emergencies

If you come across a suspicious package or witness suspicious activity, it’s crucial to act quickly and follow the correct procedures to ensure everyone’s safety. Here are the steps to take:

Call 999 in emergency situations, including:

• Immediate danger to life
• Suspicious activity/items left unattended
• Threats or incidents involving violence
• Serious road traffic collisions where lives are at risk
• Ongoing crimes, such as burglaries or thefts

If you accidentally dial 999, stay on the line and let the operator know you’re safe and that no crime has occurred.

Accessibility for Hearing and Speech Impairments

For those with hearing or speech impairments, Humberside Police offers several options:

• Use the text phone service at 18000 or text 999 if you’ve pre-registered for the emergency SMS service.
• British Sign Language (BSL) users can use the 999 BSL service to communicate with a remote interpreter.

If you’re in danger but unable to speak, silent 999 calls can still be made. Follow the operator’s instructions to ensure you’re heard.

Reporting Non-Emergencies

For less urgent concerns, you can call 101 for non-emergency inquiries. If you have hearing or speech impairments, use the text phone service at 18001 101.

If you’d prefer to report suspicious behaviour anonymously, Crimestoppers is a valuable resource. You can contact them via:

• Phone: 0800 555 111
• Online: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Alternatively, Humberside Police provides a direct way to report concerns online through their contact page.

Conclusion

While the suspicious package in Hull turned out to be harmless, the authorities’ prompt and diligent response demonstrated the critical importance of taking all reports seriously. The recent incident reminds us that it can happen here. It also reinforces the need for us all to be vigilant and to act responsibly when we notice something that could potentially cause harm. By reporting anything suspicious, we can help ensure the safety of our communities and prevent possible danger. Together, we can make a significant difference in maintaining the security and well-being of those around us.