Communities across the UK – particularly Jewish and other faith communities – will receive increased protection following the announcement of £5 million in new government funding to expand specialist police patrols on the streets.
The funding will increase deployments under Project Servator, a national policing tactic designed to disrupt criminal and terrorist activity through highly visible and unpredictable operations.
Project Servator involves deployments of highly trained specialist officers, including both uniformed and plain‑clothes personnel, supported by specialist police units.
Officers are trained to:
- Detect suspicious behaviour
- Identify hostile reconnaissance
- Intervene where individuals may be preparing serious crimes, including acts of terrorism
The approach is intelligence‑led but deliberately visible, acting as both a deterrent and a tool for early intervention.
The additional funding will initially be targeted at London and Manchester, where the Metropolitan Police Service and Greater Manchester Police are expected to step up patrols in areas where communities may be at heightened risk.
The aim is to disrupt potential terrorist threats, prevent reconnaissance of sites and provide reassurance to communities through an increased police presence.
The expansion of Project Servator deployments comes amid a period of increased concern among communities nationwide, with antisemitic and anti‑Muslim hate crimes reaching record levels.
The funding announcement follows several serious incidents, including:
- An arson attack on Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green
- Individuals being charged under the National Security Act for alleged surveillance of Jewish sites
- A terrorist attack at a synagogue in Heaton Park
- An arson attack at Peacehaven mosque last year
These incidents have reinforced the need for enhanced protective security measures and visible policing.
Previous Project Servator operations have led to arrests, seizures of weapons and drugs, and the gathering of critical intelligence supporting counter‑terrorism investigations.
Alongside enforcement activity, officers also engage with local residents, faith groups, and businesses. This engagement helps raise awareness of suspicious activity and encourages the public to stay alert and report concerns quickly.
The funding increase forms part of a wider reset in the government’s approach to countering extremism, aimed at improving public safety and disrupting threats before they materialise.
Recent measures include:
- Expansion of the visa taskforce to prevent foreign extremists from entering the UK
- Enhanced powers to disrupt and dismantle extremist networks operating domestically
Security Minister Dan Jarvis commented:
“At a time of heightened concern for some communities, it is vital that we step up our support.
“Project Servator has a proven track record of stopping criminals and terrorists through highly visible, unpredictable deployments that vary in time and location, deterring those planning harm and reassuring the public.
“This new funding will back the police with the resources they need to step up patrols, protect communities, and keep people safe in the places where they live, work and worship.”
Together, these actions are intended to strengthen the UK’s ability to prevent attacks, protect vulnerable communities and respond swiftly to emerging risks.
By increasing specialist patrols and reinforcing engagement with the public, the enhanced Project Servator deployments aim to provide reassurance, deterrence and protection for communities most affected by hate crime and extremist threats.
The funding reflects a commitment to ensuring people can live, worship and work safely, supported by proactive and intelligence‑led policing across the country.
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