Police professional | Three forces are joining forces to combat criminal activity across the North West

Three forces are joining forces to combat criminal activity across the North West

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

On Friday (October 11), specialist project conservation teams from Merseyside, Cheshire and Greater Manchester were deployed at various locations in central Liverpool, Manchester and Warrington.

PC Mike Henry, operations coordinator for Project Servator at Cheshire Constabulary, said the operation was “a great opportunity to combine the expertise of neighboring forces”.

Project Servator’s deployment is deliberately unpredictable and aims to disrupt a range of criminal activities, including terrorism, while maintaining a reassuring presence for the public.

The operations involve specially trained officers in uniform and plainclothes to identify the tell-tale signs that someone may have criminal intent, for example to gather information to help them plan or prepare for a crime.

PC Henry said: “Some criminals travel between operational areas and this operation was a great opportunity to combine the expertise of neighboring forces and disrupt crime not only locally but also regionally.”

Sergeant Danny Cheevers, operational coordinator for Project Servator at Merseyside Police, said teams from different forces often work together in this way to tackle crime.

“During these operations, officers will encourage the public, including employees of local businesses, to provide additional eyes and ears and to report suspicious activity,” he said.

“The aim is to build a vigilance network and make it more difficult for terrorists considering their targets and other criminals to operate in the region.”

Sergeant Cheevers, of Merseyside Police, added: “These operations are continuing across the region and we would like to reassure the public that there is no cause for concern if they encounter such an operation. “Feel free to speak to officers and they explain to you what they do and how you can help keep people safe.

“Everyone has an important role to play and our call is very clear: stay vigilant and trust your instincts. If you see something that doesn’t feel right, tell a staff member or a police officer. Don’t assume someone else will. No matter how insignificant you think something is, trust your instincts and report it because your actions could save lives.”