A SHOPPER who spotted a large police presence in the town centre yesterday says the experience was far from reassuring.

As reported this afternoon, more police officers than usual were deployed to the town centre on Wednesday as part of a cross-force security operation.

Teams from Cheshire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester and British Transport Police teamed up to strengthen their network of vigilance ahead of Christmas markets opening across the region.

On Wednesday, Project Servator officers conducted patrols across the centre of Warrington, as well as the town’s train stations.

Cheshire Police said that highly visible Project Servator deployments are deliberately unpredictable, with the aim of the tactic being to disrupt criminal activity, including terrorism, while providing a reassuring presence for the public.

But this was not the reaction of one shopper in the town centre, who said that the experience ‘put people on edge’ instead.

The shopper, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “When you are going for a coffee run at Golden Square, the last thing you expect to see on your way back to the office is loads of police.

“I was curious and slightly anxious about what was going on, but none of the officers volunteered any information and we were not being ushered out of the shopping centre, so it just all seemed a bit peculiar.

“I have since learned it is part of an operation to have more of a ‘reassuring’ police presence in certain locations while deterring crime – but it was not reassuring at all. It put us on edge.

“The officers were dotted around the middle of Golden Square – roughly between HMV and Starbucks – that looked strategic in nature, as if they were responding to some kind of incident.

Warrington Guardian:

“There could have been more officers that I did not see, but I would estimate there were around eight-plus.

“I probably should have asked them what was going on while I was there to put my mind at rest. But you know what it is like when something is going on, and you do not want to get in the way.

“The operation seems a positive thing now I have looked into it, but it could have been communicated a lot better or signposted that it was going to happen in advance, as I think it is naturally worrying to see a lot of police about like that.”

Cheshire Police say the deployments use specially trained uniform and plain clothes officers to spot the tell-tale signs that someone may have criminal intent, such as gathering information that may help them plan or prepare to commit a crime.

Officers are supported by colleagues in other specialist roles including the dog section, firearms and CCTV operators.

Chief Inspector Iain Wyke continued: “These deployments will continue throughout the region, and if you see one, there is nothing to worry about.

“Feel free to talk to the officers and they will explain what they are doing and how you can help keep people safe.

“Everybody has a vital role to play and what we ask is simple. Stay alert and trust your instincts. If you see something that doesn’t feel right, tell a member of staff or a police officer.

“Do not assume someone else will do it. However insignificant you think something may be, trust your instincts and report it, because your actions could potentially save lives.”

To report suspicious activity, call the police on 101. Suspicious activity is anything that seems out of place, unusual or does not seem to fit in with day-to-day life. If it is an emergency, always call 999.