Met deploys 100 extra officers to protect Jewish communities across London
The Metropolitan Police is deploying around 100 extra officers to help protect Jewish communities across London following recent antisemitic attacks.
Drawn from neighbourhood policing, specialist protection and teams with counter-terrorism capabilities, the new Community Protection Team is intended to strengthen security and provide reassurance in areas facing sustained threats.
Pressure on policing has intensified in recent weeks after several incidents linked to Jewish sites in London, including arson attacks and a double stabbing in Golders Green that police are treating as terrorism. EyeOnLondon recently reported on the aftermath of the Golders Green antisemitic arson attack as concern spread across the area.
Around 50 arrests linked to antisemitic hate crime offences have been made during the past four weeks, the force said, with eight people charged so far.
Speaking about the expansion, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said the creation of the new team represented an important step in responding to what he previously described as a growing “pandemic” of antisemitism in the UK. He had earlier warned that around 300 additional officers were needed across London to respond properly to rising pressures on community protection policing.
Recent government funding has helped increase police presence across the capital. Of a £25 million national package for protective policing, £18 million has been allocated to the Met. The force says that funding has already supported around 1,000 additional officer shifts each week through overtime and redeployment.
Sir Mark also said discussions were continuing with the government and the Mayor of London about how the approach could be sustained over a longer period rather than operating only as a short-term response.
While the unit is initially focused on antisemitic threats, a Met spokesperson said the structure could eventually provide a model for protecting other communities facing sudden rises in hate crime or security risks.
Police added that tackling anti-Muslim abuse, racism and homophobia remains part of the force’s wider priorities across London.
Further information about protective security support for places of worship and community sites is available through the UK government’s protective security funding programme.
For more reporting on London security, policing and community issues, follow EyeOnLondon’s continuing coverage across the capital.
[Image Credit | Morning Star]
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