BTP partners with local forces to boost vigilance this festive season in NW England

British Transport Police is strengthening its network of vigilance by working with police forces across the North West as Christmas market season begins.

This week, Project Servator teams have joined forces with officers from Merseyside, Cheshire, and Greater Manchester Police for a series of unpredictable and intelligence-led deployments across the North West railway network.

The specially trained officers, who are experts at identifying those with criminal or terrorist intent, conducted train patrols between Manchester and Liverpool Lime Street – stopping in at stations including Warrington. They were supported by specialist assets which included plain clothes officers and expert search dogs.

It’s all part of our efforts to grow our network of vigilance as more and more visitors begin to travel to our cities for the Christmas markets.

Passengers will have noticed officers from all four police forces working together and engaging with members of the public on trains and at stations. This is a vital part of Project Servator – the public are our eyes and ears and we urge passengers to be vigilant this festive season. If you see anything that doesn’t look right, report it to police.

Inspector Lisa Jones from British Transport Police said: ““It’s absolutely vital that we work closely with our neighbouring police forces to share intelligence and ensure the North West is a difficult place for criminals and terrorists to operate.

“We want everyone to be able to travel into our city centres safely and enjoy the Christmas markets knowing our Project Servator officers are there looking out for them, whether they can see them or not. If anyone ever has any concerns while travelling I’d encourage them to text us discreetly on 61016.”

Chief Inspector Iain Wyke, of Merseyside Police said: “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 this week’s deployments, officers have made several arrests for offences including theft, possession of controlled drugs and breach of prison licence.

“These deployments will continue throughout the region. They are deliberately unpredictable 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 by reporting anything that you see or hear that doesn’t feel right.”