Project Servator deployments stepped up in Greater Manchester over the festive period

Project Servator deployments are being stepped up across Greater Manchester over the busy Christmas and new year period. 

Project Servator is a national policing tactic that aims to disrupt a range of criminal activity and provide a reassuring presence for the public in areas of large footfall.

They can appear anywhere in the region, including the Christmas markets, transport hubs, entertainment venues and the Trafford Centre. 

Operation Dasher will also be running in the city centre during the festive period, GMP’s operation for policing the Christmas markets. 

Consequently, there will be an increased and visible police presence in the city centre throughout the festive period and visitors to the markets can expect to see additional neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs as well as specialist police officers including plain clothes and firearms officers. 

During the deployment today at the Trafford Centre (29/11/23), officers arrested two men on suspicion of theft offences.

Sergeant Lee Keefe, GMP’s Project Servator Co-ordinator, said: “Project Servator is delivered across GMP by specially-trained officers at significant events and locations to provide a reassuring presence. 

“Christmas and new year are busy times for any city, but Manchester is particularly busy at this time of year because of the Christmas markets, Christmas shoppers and more people enjoying a night out. 

“The unpredictable deployments happen at any time of the day and night and make use of plain clothes and uniformed officers from GMP’s Neighbourhood Policing Teams. 

“Project Servator’s deployments are highly visible, but there is nothing to be concerned about if you see one in your area – it's normal police activity and isn't linked to any specific intelligence about a threat to the area. 

“Officers are experienced and specially trained to spot the tell-tale signs that someone is planning or preparing to commit an act of crime. 

“Officers will also talk to the public and local businesses to let them know what they're doing and remind them to be vigilant, trust their instincts and report any suspicious or unusual behaviour.” 

There is more information about Project Servator on the GMP website - Project Servator | Greater Manchester Police (gmp.police.uk)