Extra police patrols to protect Jewish communities across the Thames Valley during High Holy Days
Armed and unarmed officers will be deployed near synagogues as observances begin
Police are increasing their protection of Jewish communities across the Thames Valley during the Jewish High Holy Days.
Thames Valley Police say people can expect to see more officers around synagogues and the surrounding areas throughout the period.
The dedicated operation begins with Rosh Hashanah on Friday 11th September and also covers Yom Kippur, Sukkot and Simchat Torah.
What the operation involves
There will be increased police activity around synagogues, including high-visibility patrols from neighbourhood policing teams and armed officers, Project Servator deployments and specialist resources.
The force say the operation is intelligence-led and focused on visible patrols, community engagement and protecting places of worship and community sites.
It is designed to protect Jewish communities, deter criminality and ensure a swift response to anything that happens.
The work is being carried out alongside the Community Security Trust and is supported by Home Office funding through the Protecting Jewish Communities Fund.
'Concerned for their safety'
Assistant Chief Constable Christian Bunt, who is leading the operation, said: "We recognise our Jewish communities will be concerned for their safety ahead of the High Holy Days following recent attacks and the general rise in antisemitism.
"We have a dedicated operation to protect our Jewish communities, alongside the Community Security Trust, throughout the period so people can expect to see an increased police presence near synagogues and the local areas during this period.
"There will be armed and unarmed officers on patrol, support from specialist units, and engagement staff speaking with our communities, alongside our partners, as well as security measures people will not see."
Rise in antisemitism
Thames Valley Police say antisemitic incidents have been rising internationally since the October 2023.
That includes fatal terror attacks last year at a synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur, and at a Chanukah celebration on Bondi Beach in Australia.
Anyone who witnesses suspicious or criminal activity should report it by calling 999.
People may then wish to call the CST national emergency number on 0800 032 3263.
Anything that is not urgent can be reported by speaking to a police officer, visiting a police station, calling 101 or using the force's website.