The unit will initially focus on antisemitic threats, but could serve as a model for protecting other communities facing spikes in hate crime
The Metropolitan Police has announced the formation of a new 100-officer Community Protection Team aimed at strengthening security around Jewish communities in London following a recent rise in antisemitic attacks.
The specialist unit will include neighbourhood police officers, counter-terrorism personnel, and specialist protection officers. It will be deployed to high-risk areas and focus on preventing hate crimes, improving intelligence gathering, and strengthening relationships with local communities, faith leaders, and schools.
The decision comes after a series of serious incidents, including arson attacks on Jewish sites and a double stabbing in Golders Green that authorities are treating as terrorism. Police say around 50 people have been arrested in connection with antisemitic offences in recent weeks, with several already charged.
Rising concern over antisemitic incidents
Recent weeks have seen a spike in reported hate crimes targeting Jewish communities across London, including attacks on synagogues, a Jewish ambulance service charity, and a memorial site in Golders Green. The Metropolitan Police has described the trend as part of a broader rise in antisemitic activity, prompting increased security measures across affected areas.
Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said the new unit represents a critical response to what he described as sustained threats facing Jewish communities. He warned earlier that antisemitism was becoming increasingly widespread and that additional policing resources were urgently needed across London.
Community and government response
The Community Security Trust (CST), a UK charity that monitors and protects Jewish communities from antisemitism, welcomed the announcement. It said the move sends a strong message to potential offenders while reassuring the Jewish community at a time of heightened concern.
The government has also provided £25 million in additional funding for protective policing, with £18 million allocated to the Metropolitan Police. This funding has already supported increased patrols and an estimated 1,000 additional officer shifts per week, largely through overtime and redeployment.
Long-term policing strategy
The newly created team will initially focus on antisemitic threats but is expected to serve as a model for protecting other communities experiencing spikes in hate crime, including anti-Muslim, racist, and homophobic incidents.
Sir Mark Rowley emphasised that the initiative is part of a longer-term strategy requiring sustained investment and coordination with local authorities and the Mayor of London. He said the goal is to build a policing approach that can be adapted to different communities facing elevated risks, rather than responding only to short-term crises.
Authorities say tackling hate crime in all its forms remains a core priority as London’s diverse communities continue to face rising security challenges.
