The Metropolitan Police has formed a new unit of 100 officers to strengthen protection for the Jewish community across London amid a recent rise in anti-Semitic incidents. The force said that the new community protection team will include neighborhood officers, specialized protection units and individuals with experience in combating terrorism.The move comes after several attacks targeting Jewish sites in the capital, including arson incidents and a double stabbing in Golders Green, which investigators are treating as terrorism-related.Police said about 50 people have been arrested in connection with anti-Semitic hate crimes in recent weeks, and eight individuals have been charged so far.Incidents included attacks on synagogues, the Jewish Ambulance Service and a memorial wall in Golders Green.Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley said the additional officers would help improve security and reassure the community during a time of heightened concerns.“The establishment of a new community protection team comprising approximately 100 officers is an important step in strengthening our response to the ongoing threats facing Jewish communities,” he said, quoted by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).Rowley added that the force is working with the government and the Mayor of London’s office to ensure long-term support for the initiative.
The deployment follows a £25 million government funding package for preventive policing, with £18 million allocated to the Metropolitan Police.According to the force, funding has already supported additional deployments of officers across London through overtime and reassignment measures.Police said the new team would initially focus on anti-Semitic threats, but could later be adapted to support other communities facing a rise in hate crimes, including anti-Muslim abuse, racism and homophobia.