Terrorism has effects on our society, travel and tourism, human rights, and the global economy. Terrorism can be planned from a foreign country or home grown locally.
Factors that influence those involved are varying. People can be influenced by an act of a government or by an ideology of a local or foreign group. However, there are always signs, and all citizens worldwide should be alert for changes that could identify the planning of a terrorist attack. Some of the recognized signs are:
- Covert Surveillance—terrorists gather information about a potential target when planning an attack.
- Elicitation—using ordinary communications methods in order to gain sensitive information.
- Stockpiling—if you notice someone you know (or someone who comes into a store you frequent) is purchasing (or stealing) explosives, weapons, ammunition, or bomb-making materials, you could be witnessing a potential terrorist plot.
The annual Global Terrorism Index, developed by the Institute of Economics and Peace, identifies and reports on terrorism trends. At 13,826 in 2020, global deaths from terrorism fell 15% from 2019, the fifth consecutive year to decrease. In addition, the global impact of terrorism in 2020 was $16.4 billion USD, a 25% decrease from 2019. Still, in North America, Western Europe, and Oceania, far-right attacks increased 250% from 2014 and are higher now than any other time in the past 50 years.
Together, we can fight global and local terrorism. If you see something, submit an anonymous tip without the fear of retribution using the Crime Stoppers Global Solutions TCI tips app, available for Apple and Android devices.
