Police and PCC meet with Jewish Community Leaders

Chief Constable Andy Prophet and Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Jonathan Ash-Edwards met Jewish community leaders yesterday evening (Thursday 30 April) to provide reassurance in light of recent events.

The community meeting was organised to give the Jewish community a chance to share how they are feeling and for the police to understand how they can best provide support.

The meeting was opened by Chief Constable Prophet who expressed his support to the Jewish community and urged all those attending to remind their friends and family to call the police if they feel unsafe.

PCC Jonathan Ash-Edwards reiterated the Chief’s sentiment, making it clear that antisemitism has no place in Hertfordshire.

Robert Voss, Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, reminded the community of the importance in feeding information and concerns to the police, so action can be taken.

During recent weeks, there has been a number of arrests made in Hertfordshire in connection with antisemitic incidents in London.

A senior detective from Counter Terrorism Policing was at the meeting to give an overview of the latest updates and to answer any questions.

Chief Superintendent Di Whiteside also spoke, giving an overview of the operational work happening in Hertfordshire to tackle antisemitism. This includes increased protective security patrols.

There was positive feedback from the community leaders, with many noticing the increased police presence and feeling reassured by the police action. However, following discussion, further steps have been identified to help make the community feel even safer by amending current patrol locations and times. The leaders will be supplying a list of locations and times for the police to incorporate into protective patrols.

It was also agreed that more regular meetings between the Jewish community and the police would be beneficial. Ahead of the meeting, the Chief Constable and PCC visited four synagogues in Hertsmere Borough on Saturday 25 April to provide reassurance and listen to the community.

Chief Constable Andy Prophet said: “This was a really productive meeting and I hope that it reassures the Jewish community that we are listening to their concerns and acting on them. It was clear from discussions that many of our Jewish residents are feeling very frightened right now. We have taken away lots of useful feedback on how we can make them feel safer, particularly by reviewing our patrol plans. We’ve also committed to more regular meetings with the community.

“No one should feel unsafe because of their faith, and we want to be absolutely clear that antisemitism, in any form, has no place in Hertfordshire. If you have concerns, or see anything suspicious, please report it to us so that appropriate action can be taken.”

Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards said: “It was incredibly useful to hear directly from members of the Jewish community, and I understand just how deeply recent events are being felt by Jewish residents in Hertfordshire. Antisemitism and hatred are not inevitable and must not be tolerated. No one in Hertfordshire should feel they have to look over their shoulder because of their faith. I stand with the Jewish community and will do everything I can to advocate for the safety and security to which they are entitled. Hertfordshire Constabulary are taking the situation seriously and strengthening their patrols and presence, which I welcome.”

Thursday the 30th, the UK terrorist threat level was raised from substantial to severe, meaning an attack is highly likely. The public is urged to remain alert but not alarmed while police forces across the country work with Counter Terrorism Policing to keep people safe.

If you see anything that doesn’t feel right report via gov.uk/ACT. In an emergency always call 999.

You can report information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.

For more information please contact:

Rachel Stone, Hertfordshire PCC

Tel: 0794 9279782 Email: [email protected]

Please visit our website at: www.hertscommissioner.org