Hi everyone, just wanted to share a recent experience from this afternoon to raise awareness and help keep people safe while out spotting.

While taking photos of buses, I was followed from Sunderland Road into Gateshead Town Centre by individuals from Shomrim. For clarity, Shomrim are a volunteer security / neighbourhood patrol group who support and look after the Jewish community.

There were four individuals, all communicating with each other (including via mobile phones), who followed me across multiple locations. I attempted on four separate occasions to disengage and asked to be left alone, after briefly explaining I was a transport enthusiast. Despite this, they continued to follow and confront me, eventually surrounding me, which caused alarm and made me feel unsafe.

Police (Northumbria Police) were contacted, attended, and confirmed I was acting within my rights and allowed me to continue my day. They also spoke to the individuals involved separately.

? Key reminders for all spotters:

️ Photography in public is legal
You are well within your rights to photograph buses in public spaces across the UK.

️ You do NOT have to show or delete your photos
Only police have limited powers in certain situations—not volunteer patrol groups or members of the public.

️ You are not required to stop or engage
You can politely refuse and walk away if approached.

️ Keep interactions brief and calm
A simple line like:
“I’m a transport enthusiast taking photos in public”
…is enough. Avoid arguments.

️ Do not be intimidated by numbers or persistence
Even if multiple people approach you, they have no additional powers.

️ Trust your instincts
If something feels off, remove yourself from the situation early.

️ Stay in safe, public areas
Use busy locations, shops, or transport hubs if you feel uncomfortable.

️ Contact police if needed
Call 101 for non-emergencies or 999 if you feel threatened, followed, or unsafe.

️ Log and report incidents
Make a note of times, locations, and descriptions—this helps build a picture if behaviour is repeated.

️ Take seriously if:
You are being followed between locations
You are repeatedly approached after refusing
You are surrounded or feel intimidated

This is NOT normal and should be reported.

Sharing this so others are aware—not to cause concern. Bus spotting is a completely normal hobby, and everyone should feel safe doing it.

Stay safe ?