High Holy Day policing in Manchester

Today's Jewish Chronicle reports on plans for police and CST patrols in Greater Manchester over the High Holy Days:

Greater Manchester Police have announced details of special patrols at local Jewish venues over the High Holy-Days.

After consultation with the Community Security Trust, the force is planning “high visibility patrols before and after services at synagogues covering the main pedestrian routes Jews take from their homes”. CST volunteers will also be involved in the patrols.

Chief-Superintendent Jon Rush said the aim was “to reassure members of our Jewish communities and ensure they have an adequate reporting facility available to them at all times. Increased foot patrols were particularly well received last year.” The police support has been welcomed by CST spokesman Mark Gardner.

During the festivals, there will be mobile police stations opposite the Holy Law Synagogue in Prestwich and alternately outside the Hale and South Manchester shuls. Other venues for the temporary stations will be Northumberland Street in Salford and on Sedgley Park Road, close to a new strictly Orthodox synagogue.