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An operation involving specially trained officers, dogs, mounted branch, CCTV and automatic number plate recognition has begun in Lancashire to disrupt criminals, including terrorists.
Project Servator aims to prevent offenders from carrying out their plans, whilst also reassuring the public, to help keep those who live, work or visit here safe and feeling safe.
At the end of March, officers were deployed to sites across the county, including Preston Bus Station, Blackpool Comedy Carpet and The Mall at Blackburn, engaging with local communities and businesses to build up a network of vigilance.
“Working with the community is a vital part of Project Servator, disrupting terrorism and other criminal activity effectively," said Assistant Chief Constable Karen Edwards, of Lancashire Police.
She explained: “Servator is a Latin word that means ‘watcher’ or ‘observer’, and the deployments use specially trained uniform and plain-clothes officers to spot the tell-tale signs that someone may be conducting hostile reconnaissance – information gathering that may help them plan or prepare to commit a crime.
“Our deployments will be unpredictable and intelligence-led. By working to identify hostile reconnaissance, Project Servator aims to disrupt that activity and prevent criminals from being able to carry out their plans.
“You should expect to see further deployments in the coming weeks and months, as we help to keep our county safe.”
Sgt Daniel Tulloch from the National Disruptive Effects Unit – which oversees the development and delivery of Project Servator nationally – said: “As we see Project Servator reach its tenth year of deployment, we are delighted to welcome Lancashire Constabulary on board as the latest force to launch the innovative tactic.
“Already deploying across the UK and in Gibraltar, Project Servator has proven highly effective, resulting in arrests for a wide range of offences including terrorism, as well as removing illegal firearms, knives and drugs from the streets.
“Lancashire’s specially-trained officers, working alongside security partners, businesses and the public, will disrupt criminality while making the county a difficult environment for criminals to operate.”
Everybody has a vital role to play by reporting any suspicious behaviour that they see or hear, or anything that just does not feel right. However insignificant you think something may be, trust your instincts and report it because your actions could potentially save lives.
Report suspicious activity immediately to a member of staff or a police officer. Or 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.
Project Servator was first developed and introduced by the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) and City of London Police in 2014 and is now used by a growing number of police forces. Read more about it here.
