The Metropolitan Police has established a new 100-officer community protection team specifically to safeguard London's Jewish community, which faces significant hate crime and security threats. This initiative comes despite the Met Commissioner previously stating that 300 additional officers were required to address the growing issue of antisemitism across the capital.
New Unit Details
The team will integrate neighbourhood policing, specialist protection, and counter-terrorism capabilities, following recent incidents including arson attacks at Jewish sites and a suspected terrorist stabbing. The Home Office is supporting this action with £18 million, alongside an additional £4 million for Jewish community protective security grants.
Broader Measures
Separately, the Director of Public Prosecutions has issued new guidance to fast-track hate crime prosecutions. The UK also raised its terror threat to severe after a stabbing in Golders Green.
The Metropolitan Police announcement comes amid rising concerns over antisemitic incidents in London. The new unit aims to provide a dedicated response to protect Jewish communities, combining local policing with specialist resources.
