North West Police Forces Unite to Disrupt Criminal Activity

Three police forces across the North West have collaborated in a security operation to disrupt criminal activity and strengthen their network of vigilance across the region.

On Friday, 11 October 2024, specialist Project Servator teams from Merseyside, Cheshire and Greater Manchester deployed at various locations in the centre of Liverpool, Manchester and Warrington.

Project Servator deployments are intentionally unpredictable. The tactic aims to disrupt a range of criminal activity, including terrorism, while providing a reassuring presence for the public.

The deployments use specially trained uniformed and plain-clothes officers to spot the tell-tale signs that someone may have criminal intent such as gathering information to help them plan or prepare to commit a crime.

Sergeant Danny Cheevers, Force Coordinator for Project Servator at Merseyside Police said: “Project Servator teams in different forces often work in partnership like this to disrupt criminality. During these deployments, officers will encourage the public, including people working in local businesses, to be extra eyes and ears, and report suspicious activity. The aim is to build a network of vigilance and make it difficult for terrorists considering their targets and other criminals to operate in the region.”

Constable Mike Henry, Force Coordinator for Project Servator at Cheshire Constabulary said: “Some criminals travel between force areas and this operation has been a great opportunity to combine expertise from neighbouring forces and disrupt criminality not only locally but also at a regional level.”

Sergeant Cheevers at Merseyside Police added: “These deployments will continue across the region, and we want to reassure the public that there's no cause for concern if they encounter one. Feel free to talk to the officers and they will explain what they are doing and how you can help keep people safe.

“Everyone has an important part to play, and what we're asking is straightforward: remain alert and trust your instincts. If you see something that doesn’t feel right, tell a member of staff or a police officer. Don’t assume someone else will do it. However insignificant you think something may be, trust your instincts and report it because your actions could save lives.”

To report suspicious activity, 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.