The Metropolitan Police today announced the creation of a new dedicated Community Protection Team, staffed initially by 100 officers, to combat a recent surge in antisemitic hate crimes across London. This initiative comes amid multiple arrests over the weekend linked to antisemitic offences, including suspected arson attacks on synagogues and assaults targeting the Jewish community. The new team will offer a more visible, intelligence-led policing presence to safeguard Jewish residents in the capital.
Targeted Arrests Made
During the past weekend, the Met arrested several individuals in connection with racially and religiously aggravated crimes. These include a 57-year-old man arrested for threats against a Jewish individual using offensive language, and a 35-year-old man charged following rocks being thrown at a Jewish community ambulance in Edgware. Additional arrests related to harassment, criminal damage, and public order offences were recorded in Brent and Croydon. All suspects have been bailed pending further investigations.
Intensive Police Response
In the last four weeks, the Metropolitan Police have arrested approximately 50 people for antisemitic hate crimes, with eight charged so far. Alongside these, 28 arrests have been made in connection with arson and serious offences investigated jointly with Counter Terrorism Policing. More than 80 arrests in total highlight the severity of threats facing London’s Jewish communities.
Community Protection Team Formation
The Community Protection Team merges neighbourhood policing with specialist protection and counter-terrorism efforts to deliver consistent and locally informed policing. It focuses on building strong ties with Jewish residents, faith leaders, and community volunteers to provide effective and sustained protection rather than relying on short-term operational surges.
Funding And Future Plans
The Met welcomes the Government’s recent £25 million funding boost for protective policing, including an £18 million ring-fenced allocation for the Met. This funding supports additional officer shifts and underpins the standing up of the new team. However, Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley stressed the need for long-term investment to maintain and develop this response to a persistent threat.
Leadership Commitment
Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said, “This team is a crucial step in strengthening our fight against enduring threats to Jewish communities. It provides more visible, intelligence-led protection led by officers who deeply understand their communities.” Meanwhile, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan called for a relentless approach to tackling all hate crimes, highlighting the team’s role in reassuring Jewish Londoners in the face of rising antisemitic violence. The Metropolitan Police continue to prioritise hate crime across all communities, ensuring sustained efforts to protect Londoners and disrupt threats in partnership with the Government and local organisations.
