More uniformed police officers set to patrol in town centre

Cheshire Police has confirmed that it is officially rolling out Project Servator following a trial.

The tactic is used to disrupt a range of criminality, including terrorism, while providing a reassuring presence for the public.

The force first trialled the tactic in Chester in 2019, and following on from its success in the city centre, officers from Warrington have now successfully implemented the policing tactic in the town centre.

These highly visible deployments are deliberately unpredictable and use specially trained uniform and plain clothes officers to spot the tell-tale signs that someone may have criminal intent.

This includes 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.

Police on patrol in Warrington town centre as part of Project Servator

These officers can be deployed across the whole of Cheshire, with the aim being to make Cheshire a hostile environment for criminals while ensuring the public are safe and enjoy places of entertainment, shopping venues and other publicly accessible location.

The Warrington Guardian went out on patrol with the officers on Friday to see the project in action.

While concerns have been raised in the past about seeing large numbers of police out on patrol, it was positive to see shoppers engaging with officers and asking about the operation.

Officers were more than happy to explain that there was nothing to worry about, and that their presence was to make town centre streets safer.

The deployment moved to cover different locations, from Old Market Place to the bus station, with plain-clothed officers on the lookout for suspicious behaviour.

Chief inspector Neil Drum said: “We are really pleased we have now been given the green light to officially roll out this tactic.

“We have already seen the benefits of carrying out the deployments over the last several months, including a drugs arrest on our first deployment, and some interesting finds in the run up to Creamfields festival.

Police on patrol in Warrington town centre as part of Project Servator

“During deployments, officers encourage the public, including people working in local businesses, to be extra eyes and ears, and report suspicious activity.

“The aim is to build a network of vigilance made up of business and community partners and the general public."

Sergeant Graham Robinson, of Warrington Local Policing Unit, added: “When my officers were told about Project Servator and what it involves, they were totally on board, keen to get stuck into the training and were raring to get out into the community to try this tactic out.

“Ever since, we have carried out a number of deployments and have been talking to people about Project Servator and how they too can get involved in keeping their communities safe by reporting anything they see that doesn’t seem right.”

To report suspicious activity, call Cheshire 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.