Security will be ramped up in the city centre this festive season as part of an operation to stop criminals and potential terrorists from targeting Christmas Markets.
Officers from Merseyside Police, Cheshire Constabulary, Greater Manchester Police and the British Transport Police are working together as part of Project Servator - which uses "unpredictable tactics" to disrupt terrorism and other criminality while also reassuring the public, and is often deployed at major events.
Patrols were conducted yesterday in railway stations across the North West and around Liverpool, Manchester and Warrington ahead of Christmas Market season. Merseyside Police said the deployments use specially trained uniformed 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.
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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.”
Sergeant Graham Robinson from Cheshire Constabulary said: “We work with our regional colleagues on a regular basis to make life difficult for those intent on committing crime and to protect those going about their lawful business. This operation also gave us an opportunity to talk to people about Project Servator and how they can help keep their communities safe by reporting anything they see that doesn’t seem right."
Chief Inspector Iain 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.
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