Cops hit streets for high-profile scheme
some plain clothes, dog patrols and maybe firearms patrols will be in the city and the purpose really is to detect crime, to prevent crime and to deter criminals coming into the area, not just terrorism, which is what it was first set up for many years ago in London, but also about general criminality and trying to make people feel safer in the city.”
Officers talk to the public, including businesses, asking people to be their eyes and ears and encouraging them to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious.
Businessman Mustafa Cebeci, who runs Leonidas in Bridge Street selling Belgian chocolates, has really appreciated the support of the police having been a victim of thieves and anti-social yobs in the past.
Mustafa, whose brother used to be a police officer back home in Turkey, said: “This operation whoever decided it, whoever’s managing it, is getting it bang on because when police are on the street they are not scary characters any more. It provides reassurance more than anything.
“And I like the way they are talking to people, they are just chatting, they are having a laugh. So any tourists, whether from abroad or from here, they don’t see a problem.”
Cheshire Constabulary is proud to have been nationally accredited as a Project Servator force.
Superintendent Julie Westgate commented: “I’m really pleased Project Servator
is being implemented permanently in the city centre and that it could be rolled out to other areas of the county.
“We’re currently looking at other towns across the county that could benefit from having Project Servator trained officers who will be able to carry out this specialist tactic.”
She added: “By working with our partners and encouraging people to report suspicious behaviour, this makes it even harder for criminals to succeed and in doing so, enhances our long term security.
“We want all members of the general public; residents, visitors and business owners alike, to remain reassured that these tactics are not in response to a specific threat. However, we mustn’t become complacent.”
You can help by reporting any suspicious activity either by speaking face to face with officers, calling police on 101 or in confidence at gov.uk/ACT or on 0800 789 321. In an emergency, always call 999.