From TM'r WestCoastGal AKA CoCo
SOURCE:NBC
IMPORTANT:
Things to Look Out For: Be Observant:
Multiple sightings of the same suspicious person, vehicle or activity at the same location;
Individuals or activities that don't "fit" into the surrounding environment;
Individuals sitting in a parked vehicle for an extended period of time;
Individuals or several people sketching or taking notes, photographing or videotaping areas or buildings not normally associated with tourist activity;
Clothing out of place for the weather, such as someone wearing a heavy coat in hot weather;
Individuals or people carrying unusually heavy bags or backpacks;
Vehicles -- especially vans, U-Hauls or delivery trucks -- improperly parked or parked in locations not normally associated with deliveries;
Follow your instinct. If something doesn't look right, it might not be.
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POSSIBLE SIGNS OF TERRORISM
* Unusual videotaping or photography of buildings or other critical infrastructure.
Videotaping is one of the ways that terrorists gather information about a possible target. A major terrorist plot in Singapore was averted when videotapes of the buildings to be attacked, including embassies, were discovered.
* Suspicious vehicles near significant buildings or in public places.
Terrorists use vehicles for many purposes, from surveillance to planting bombs (such as in Oklahoma City or Bali). Vehicles may be parked for an unusual length of time, sometimes in no-parking areas. Explosives can be heavy, so cars and vans may sit abnormally low on their suspensions. They may have expired registrations or have false or missing plates. There was one recorded incident where an attack was foiled because a vehicle had front and rear plates that did not match.
* Suspicious accommodation needs.
The way terrorists use, rent and buy accommodation is often suspicious. A British example was a rented garage that was used as a bomb factory. A resident became suspicious and reported men coming and going wearing rubber gloves. This led to a number of arrests of terrorists who had already attacked Heathrow Airport.
* Unusual purchases or possession of fertilizer or chemicals.
Fertilizer is a widely available product that has been used in many terrorist bombs. The Oklahoma City bombing killed 168 people. One of the clues in that case was a receipt for two tons of fertilizer.
* A lifestyle that does not add up.
While planning an attack, terrorists may lead lives that appear unusual or suspicious. The 9/11 terrorists are classic examples learning to fly but not wanting to learn how to land. The leader of that group also paid cash for many large purchases such as flight training, accommodation, vehicles and air tickets.
* False or multiple identities.
Terrorists often use false or stolen documents, including passports and drivers licenses. They can also have several identities and may give conflicting details to those they come in contact with. One example was an alert bank employee who noticed a series of unusual transactions and identified an account that had been opened in a false name. They reported it to authorities, who uncovered links to a terrorist group.
http://www.ci.costa-mesa.ca.us/departments/cmpd/against-terror-03.htm
HEADS UP PLEASE....
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20040721/D83V97NG0.html
"One Killed As Car Explodes at Tenn. Hotel"
Jul 21, 12:03 PM (ET)
By LUCAS L. JOHNSON II
ARTICLE SNIPPET: "NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - A sport utility vehicle exploded in a parking lot at Nashville's largest hotel, killing one male inside, and authorities said they suspected a homemade bomb was involved.
The explosion occurred late Tuesday about a half-mile from the main entrance of Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, and about 200 feet from a day care center, which was closed, said Jim Cavanaugh of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Police said the blast was felt miles away, and it left nothing but a shell of the SUV.
Investigators from the federal Joint Terrorism Task Force were at the scene, but FBI agent Doug Riggin said there was no reason to suspect terrorism."