WARRINGTON is one of a number of locations across the North West targeted by police officers from four forces ahead of Christmas markets opening in the region.
Project Servator teams from Cheshire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester and British Transport Police are involved in the operation aims at strengthening their network of vigilance.
Manchester and Liverpool have also seen the special teams deployed.
The highly visible Project Servator deployments are deliberately unpredictable, and the tactic aims to disrupt a range of criminal activity, including terrorism, while providing a reassuring presence for the public.
Deployments use specially trained uniform and plain clothes officers to spot the tell-tale signs that someone may have criminal intent such as gathering information that may help them plan or prepare to commit a crime. Officers are supported by colleagues in other specialist roles including the dog section, firearms and CCTV operators.
Chief Inspector Iain Wyke of Protective Security Operations at Merseyside Police said: “During deployments, officers will encourage the public, including people working in local businesses, to be extra eyes and ears, and report suspicious activity. The aim is to build a network of vigilance made up of business and community partners and the general public.
“This operation has been a great opportunity to combine expertise from each of the four forces and demonstrate the effectiveness of Project Servator deployments not only at a local level but also at a regional level. During the deployments, officers made several arrests for offences including theft, possession of controlled drugs, breach of prison licence and public order offences.”
Warrington Local Policing Unit sergeant Graham Robinson said: “This was a fantastic opportunity to highlight the work we do with our regional colleagues to disrupt crime. Our show of force aimed to emphasise the message that there are no borders – we work together on a regular basis to make life difficult for those intent on committing crime and to protect those going about their lawful business.
“It also gave us an opportunity to talk to people about Project Servator and how they too can get involved in keeping their communities safe by reporting anything they see that doesn’t seem right.”
Chief Inspector Wyke added: “These deployments will continue throughout the region and if you see one, there is nothing to worry about. Feel free to talk to the officers and they will explain what they are doing and how you can help keep people safe.
“Everybody has a vital role to play and what we ask is simple. Stay alert and trust your instincts. If you see something that doesn’t feel right, tell a member of staff or a police officer. Don’t assume someone else will do it. However insignificant you think something may be, trust your instincts and report it because your actions could potentially save lives.”
To report suspicious activity, call the police on 101. Suspicious activity is anything that seems out of place, unusual or does not seem to fit in with day-to-day life. If it is an emergency, always call 999.
Guidance on how to help, including what suspicious activity to look out for, and confidential reporting is available at www.gov.uk/act.
