A £5 million funding boost will see more specially trained police officers deployed across the UK to deter crime and prevent potential terrorist attacks in busy public areas.

The investment will expand Project Servator, a policing strategy designed to disrupt criminal activity through highly visible yet unpredictable patrols. The initiative places officers in key locations at varying times, making it harder for offenders to plan attacks or reconnaissance.

The additional funding is expected to significantly increase patrols in London and Manchester, with officers focusing on areas where communities—particularly Jewish and other faith groups—have expressed growing safety concerns.

Rising concerns drive action

The move comes amid a surge in both antisemitic and anti-Muslim hate crimes, which have reached record levels in recent months. Authorities say the funding is aimed not only at preventing terrorism but also at reassuring communities that feel increasingly vulnerable.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis said the investment reflects the need for stronger visible policing during a period of heightened anxiety, adding that Project Servator has already proven effective in stopping crimes before they happen.

How project Servator works

Officers involved in the programme receive specialist training to identify suspicious behaviour—particularly signs that someone may be preparing a serious crime. Deployments combine uniformed and plain-clothes officers, often supported by specialist units.

Beyond deterrence, these operations have led to arrests, drug and weapon seizures, and valuable intelligence gathering for counter-terror investigations.

Police also work closely with local businesses and the public, encouraging people to report anything unusual.

London policing context

In London, the Metropolitan Police has been steadily increasing its counter-terror presence in response to evolving threats. The capital remains a top target for terrorism in the UK, and officers routinely carry out high-visibility patrols around transport hubs, tourist attractions and places of worship.

Recent efforts by the Met have included closer cooperation with community leaders, enhanced protection for religious sites, and expanded hate crime investigations. The new funding is expected to strengthen these efforts, enabling more frequent and flexible deployments under Project Servator.

Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes said the initiative plays a key role in maintaining public confidence, noting that visible policing helps communities feel safer while also deterring criminal intent.

Wider national security push

The funding forms part of a broader package of measures to protect faith communities, including a record £73.4 million allocated for security at religious sites across the UK.

It also follows wider government efforts to tackle extremism, including tightening visa controls to block foreign extremists and boosting capabilities to dismantle domestic extremist networks.

Manchester expansion

Greater Manchester Police will also benefit from the funding, allowing them to expand a programme that has been in place since 2016. Officers there already conduct operations in busy city areas and at major events, using unpredictable patrol patterns to keep the public safe.

Officials say the additional resources will allow them to further strengthen their presence and maintain close engagement with local communities. Photo by David Howard, Wikimedia commons.