Police to step up patrols during Jewish holidays

Synagogues and surrounding areas will be protected with an increased police presence during the Jewish High Holy Days.

Thames Valley Police said specialist resources, high-visibility patrols and armed officers would form part of a dedicated operation.

It will coincide with important religious observances, starting with Rosh Hashanah on Friday and Yom Kippur, Sukkot and Simchat Torah.

The move comes as antisemitic incidents have been rising internationally since the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023 and subsequent Gaza war.

It also follows fatal terror attacks in 2025 at a synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur and on Bondi Beach at a Chanukah celebration.

The force said its plans were designed to protect Jewish communities, deter criminality and ensure a swift response to any incidents.

Assistant Chief Constable Christian Bunt, who is leading the operation, said: "We recognise our Jewish communities will be concerned for their safety ahead of the High Holy Days following recent attacks and the general rise in antisemitism.

"We have a dedicated operation to protect our Jewish communities, alongside the Community Security Trust, throughout the period so people can expect to see an increased police presence near synagogues and the local areas during this period.

"There will be armed and unarmed officers on patrol, support from specialist units, and engagement staff speaking with our communities, alongside our partners, as well as security measures people will not see."

The force said the operation would be intelligence-led and focused on visible patrols, community engagement and protecting places of worship and community sites.

The work is supported by Home Office via the Protecting Jewish Communities Fund.

The force said it was also working with the Community Security Trust, a charity that protects British Jews from terrorism and antisemitism.