Jonathan Ash-Edwards welcomes major funding boost to protect Hertfordshire’s Jewish community

Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards has welcomed a major new funding boost from the Home Office to strengthen the policing response protecting Jewish communities in Hertfordshire.

 

Hertfordshire Constabulary is set to receive an extra £9 million over the next three years as part of new government funding for 11 police forces supporting and safeguarding Jewish communities.

 

The funding follows sustained work locally by the Commissioner, Hertfordshire Constabulary and community leaders to make sure Hertfordshire’s Jewish residents feel safe, supported and listened to.

 

Hertfordshire has the third largest Jewish population nationally, behind only London and Manchester. Community leaders have raised serious concerns about rising antisemitism, intimidation and fear following recent incidents nationally and in north London.

 

In recent months, PCC Jonathan Ash-Edwards and the Chief Constable have met Jewish residents and community leaders, visited synagogues, hosted reassurance meetings at police headquarters and welcomed work by the Constabulary to ensure visible patrols and protective security activity are focused where communities need them most.

 

The Commissioner has also pressed the Home Office for Hertfordshire to receive a fair share of national funding, arguing that the county’s policing needs must be recognised alongside those in London and other major cities.

 

Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, Jonathan Ash-Edwards said:

 

“This is significant funding for Hertfordshire and it is exactly the kind of practical support I have been calling for.

 

“Hertfordshire has a large and vibrant Jewish community and I know from speaking directly to residents, rabbis, school leaders and community organisations how deeply recent events have been felt.

 

“No one should have to look over their shoulder because of their faith. Antisemitism is a stain on society and it must never be tolerated in Hertfordshire or beyond. We can and must do more to defeat it.

 

“The Chief Constable and I have listened carefully to the Jewish community and action is being taken. That has included visits to synagogues, reassurance meetings with community leaders, increased patrols and ongoing work with police, the Community Security Trust and local partners.

 

“I have also made the case to government that Hertfordshire needs proper resources for this work. Our county cannot be treated as an afterthought when we have one of the largest Jewish communities outside London and when the impact of hate crime is being felt so strongly here.

 

“This funding will help Hertfordshire Constabulary put more capacity behind the work already under way to protect communities, deter offenders and give people confidence that the police are there for them.

 

“The message is clear. Hertfordshire stands with its Jewish community and we will do everything we can to keep people safe.”

 

The additional funding will support policing operations designed to safeguard Jewish communities. Detailed operational plans are now being developed by Hertfordshire Constabulary, including how the funding will be used to strengthen visible reassurance, protective security and community engagement.

 

The Commissioner said he would continue to work closely with the Constabulary, Jewish community leaders, the Community Security Trust and local partners to ensure concerns are heard early and action follows quickly.

 

Residents are encouraged to report hate crime, antisemitism or suspicious behaviour so that police can respond and build the fullest possible intelligence picture.

 

In an emergency always call 999. Non-emergency reports can be made to Hertfordshire Constabulary online, by web chat or by calling 101. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.