Project to keep people safe is launched in Derby

A project that was first launched by the City of London Police is being trialled at a shopping centre in Derby city centre.

Project Servator is a policing tactic that aims to disrupt a range of criminal activity, including terrorism, whilst providing a reassuring presence for the public.

A range of officers have been specially trained across the county to spot the tell-tale signs that someone is planning or preparing to commit an act of crime.

A three-month trial is launching on Friday 2 December and will run until the end of February at Derbion shopping centre.

Insp Rachel Fowkes who is leading the project said: “The deployments are deliberately unpredictable. Officers are trained to encourage the public to be extra eyes and ears, and to report any suspicious activity.

“Derbion have been fully on board with supporting this trial and staff within businesses in the centre have been made aware and will also be looking out for anything suspicious.

“The aim of the project is to build a network of vigilance made up of businesses, partner organisations and the general public.

“Our officers will be engaging with shoppers, informing them about the project and reassuring them that their presence is nothing to worry about.

“Often people see officers and worry that there has been an incident in the area, we want the presence of officers during the deployments to be a reassurance to the public.

“Everyone has a vital role to play, we are asking people to stay alert and trust your instincts. If you see something that doesn’t feel right, tell an officer or a member of security staff. Trusting your instinct could help to save lives.”

Adam Tamsett, centre director at Derbion, said: “We take pride in offering a safe place to shop, work and enjoy. We have a close working partnership with Derbyshire police and are pleased to be supporting Project Servator, to ensure that Derby is a safe place for all.”

To report suspicious activity, call the 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.

Guidance on how to help, including what suspicious activity to look out for, and confidential reporting is available at www.gov.uk/act.