Project Servator Latest News

8th July

PRIDE kicks off this weekend in West Yorkshire with events in Kirklees & Bradford. The Leeds event follows at the beginning of August. Project Servator officers will be making appearances at events, so if you are going to attend, please have an amazing time, enjoy your day. But stay vigilant, be aware of your immediate surroundings, and report anything suspicious. Whether it is an unattended item, or somebody acting suspiciously.

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1st July

Well, we told you we were going to be busy, didn’t we ?

Leeds Fest is going to be huge this year with well over 100 acts scheduled to play over the bank holiday weekend of the 26th – 28th of August (I am sure the younger members of our team are more knowledgeable than your scribe today – as I have only heard of 3 of the ‘turns’).

The hashtags to follow on social media are - #LEEDSFESTIVAL #LEEDSFEST #LEEDSFESTTICKETS

Counter Terrorism Policing have launched a campaign around events and their hashtag is #BESAFEBESOUND You can find out more here – www.counterterrorism.police.uk/besafebesound2022

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30th June

On the 12th of July 2022 we are thrilled to be hosting the Queens Baton Relay prior to the Commonwealth Games that will be held in Birmingham. The relay will be going through Huddersfield, Bradford and Leeds and you will have plenty of opportunities to see it.

If you wish to follow the Baton Relay online then please follow the hashtags #QBR #COMMONWEALTHGAMES #QUEENSBATONRELAY

The official website is www.birmingham2022.com/queens-baton-relay

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30th June

We now turn our attention to Leeds Armed Forces Day where the people of West Yorkshire are invited to celebrate the courage, dedication, and commitment of the British Armed Forces.

There is a full programme of entertainment planned and we are expecting it to be very busy in Leeds. As usual we will have a combination of plain clothed and uniformed assets out and about, so if you do see us then please say hello. We are more then happy to talk about Project Servator with you.  

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28th June

Well, what can we say about The Piece Hall in Halifax that has not already been said ? What an exceptional location, we really are lucky to have The Piece Hall here in West Yorkshire.

The event organisers and Piece Hall staff have really done themselves proud with the concerts that are going ahead over summer 2022. We are delighted to be working with them and get our ‘boots on the ground’ around this cracking venue.

The Piece Hall is one of our newest locations to work and we are busy speaking with all the business owners within, getting them up to date on Project Servator. We now have even more eyes and ears in West Yorkshire as The Piece Hall comes online with our network of vigilance.

If you are going to the concerts, or just visiting during the day then keep an eye out, we may well see you there !

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13th June

Another exceptional World Triathlon Championship based at Roundhay in Leeds went off without a hitch. We always enjoy working with the event organisers for this, which is one of the biggest events on the calendar.

Work always starts very early, and the organisers are always exceptionally helpful, allowing us access to the site in the run-up to the event, and of course during the event itself.

Thank you, guys and hopefully we will be working with you again soon.

 

2nd April 2022

The Freedom of Leeds Parade for the 4th Battalion of The Parachute Regiment went off without a hitch. It’s always an honour for our team, and West Yorkshire Police to be able to facilitate events for our armed forces. We are always in your debt ladies and gentlemen. We hope you all enjoyed your day.

Alongside our everyday duties around our cities, towns, and events our planning department now turns its eyes toward The  World Triathlon Championship Series in Leeds in June. This is one of our favourite events to work, and we’re looking forward to welcoming the competitors and spectators to Leeds.

More information about the event can be found here –

AJ Bell 2022 World Triathlon Championship Series Leeds

 

9th February 2022

And the month of January has already gone ! Where does the time go ?

The Project Servator team are hard at work and already looking forward to what will hopefully be a full year of fantastic events taking place in West Yorkshire. Our first specialised event will be toward the end of March but in the meantime we will be deploying as normal as well as conducting SCaN training with both partners old and new. We have also been undertaking training with the City of London Police as well as a neighbouring force of ours who will be taking on Project Servator in their own area very soon.

Work also continues at the Airport with all Jet 2 staff receiving SCaN training over January and February. SCaN is for all users of a site like the airport. From maintenance and office workers, to security and car park attendants. Everyone is on the look out for people with criminal intent.

Together we’ve got it covered.

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31st December 2021

Christmas as always, was an incredibly busy period. Although the usual German market wasn’t in place at Millennium Square, Leeds Council pulled out all the stops and had numerous little pop-ups around the city. The ice skating at Millennium Square was popular with families and schools alike.

Thank you again to Leeds Council and @millsqleeds for your continued support

Thursday 11th November 2021

We will remember them

Friday October 22nd 2021

A big day for us as we launch at Leeds Bradford Airport. A great deal of work has gone on behind the scenes to ensure Project Servator could be launched and effectively utilised at the airport going forward. Staff and security have received SCaN training. And further training will continue to be delivered at all the businesses adjacent to and linked to the airport ensuring the network of vigilance is strengthened.

We’re thrilled to be working with our colleagues at the airport and look forward to seeing you there. Just don’t rub it in, if you’re going somewhere sunny !!

 

Monday 18th October 2021

October is always one of the team’s favourite months. Yes, it starts to get a little chilly, but it also signifies the start of a busy few months for us as the events around the county start to ramp up before Christmas and the New Year.

The events always kick off with the magnificent Leeds Light Night and this year’s event took it to a whole new level. We have always enjoyed a great working relationship with Leeds Council and the organisers behind the event and once again, offer our thanks for their ongoing support of Project Servator.

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Sunday 12th September 2021

We have been undertaking a lot of work over the last couple of months.

We have spoken to our new Deputy Mayor Alison Lowe and are pleased that she has given us her full backing. We are looking forward to working with the Mayor’s office going forward.

Of course, we would like to thank Mr Burns-Williams, the outgoing Police and Crime Commissioner for his support during his tenure.

We have been conducting SCaN (See Check and Notify) training with colleagues from our partner sites. Ensuring they are up to date with the latest state of the art training that covers hostile reconnaissance – how to spot it on their sites and then how to either confirm or refute their suspicions and the most expedient way to report it.

This extends and strengthens our network of vigilance across Leeds city centre as we delivered training to staff from Victoria Gate/Quarter. Trinity Centre. Harvey Nichols. Victoria Gate Casino and ASM – the security staff at Leeds First Direct Arena.

 

Monday 19th July 2021

Today is "Freedom" day where the lockdown restrictions will be eased even further across the UK and things are looking like they will be returning back to normal. The Project Servator team have been out this weekend in Leeds and spoke to many members of the public and local businesses. 

We ask you to remain vigilant with restrictions easing, trust your instincts and report anything that you think may be suspicious. 

#TogetherWe'veGotItCovered

 

Sunday 20th June 2021

The AJ Bell World Triathlon Series was a great success.. The team spoke to many members of the public educating them around Project Servator and how we can all help keep each other safe and spot suspicious activity. We wonder if any of you spotted the Project Servator banner on the BBC coverage? This is one of the many events in West Yorkshire the team are planning on attending this year. 

It is still business as usual for the team who will be out in Leeds. We deploy at unpredictable times and places. Feel free to come say hello and ask an officer for more information on Project Servator.

Remember to trust your instincts and report anything that doesn't feel right. 

#TogetherWe'veGotItCovered

 

Saturday 22nd May 2021

West Yorkshire Police is deploying specially-trained officers as part of Project Servator to enhance security measures already in place at the AJ Bell World Triathlon Championship Series, Leeds, which is running on the 5th and 6th June 2021. The officers, some of whom will be in plain clothes and others in uniform, are trained to spot the tell-tale signs that a person may be conducting hostile reconnaissance – the information-gathering terrorists and other criminals need to do to plan their criminal activity. They will deploy across the site and nearby as preparations for the event get under way and during the event itself. They can turn up at any time and anywhere so please don’t be surprised if you see them. Officers will be supported by CCTV, armed officers, stewards and security at the event.


Project Servator has been used by West Yorkshire Police since 2018, and is routinely deployed across the area, including at events. There is no specific threat to this event, it’s all about helping to ensure that everyone involved is safe and secure, and to make life difficult for criminals who may seek to use it as an opportunity to commit crime.


The officers will be speaking to members of the public to encourage them to be extra eyes and ears and report anything that doesn’t seem right. Feel free to have a chat with them to find out more.
 

Monday 17th May 2021

The Project Servator team have been running regular deployments since lockdown has started to lift. We have been doing a mixture of plain clothes work and high visibility uniformed work, whilst on deployments we utilise a number of different assets such as CCTV, Armed Response Officers, plain clothed officers and our specially trained officers. We also work closely alongside security officers in all shopping centres across Leeds and work in partnership with Leeds Council. Please feel free to come and speak to one of our officers if you pass through a deployment whilst out and about in Leeds.

Our deployments can happen at anytime and anywhere. Please remain vigilant and report anything you think to be suspicious.

To report you can call 101, report online through the West Yorkshire Police webpage or inform one of our officers whilst on a deployment. Remember in an emergency always call 999.

#TogetherWe'veGotItCovered

Saturday 24th April 2021

The Project Servator team have been back out in Leeds this week. It has been nice to see friendly faces again and get back to working alongside our local businesses.

SCaN (See, Check and Notify) training has also taken place for security guards at The Merrion Centre, Victoria Gate, Victoria Quarter, St Johns and Trinity Shopping Centre this week. This means that staff there are able to identify and report suspicious activity efficiently, thus improving our network of vigilance around Leeds City Centre. 

We are currently working on an exciting project around the World Triathlon Series which is coming to Leeds in June. Watch this space for updates. 

Please remember to trust your instincts and report anything you believe to be suspicious.

#TogetherWeveGotItCovered

Thursday 15th April 2021

The Project Servator team are happy to be back out now that lockdown has eased slightly and the shops are reopen. We have been speaking to the local businesses and will be continuing to educate staff around Project Servator and how they can remain vigilant. If you see the team out and about please feel free to come and say hello. 

Now that things are beginning to return to some sort of normality, we ask you to remain vigilant and report anything that you feel may be suspicious. 

#TogetherWeveGotItCovered

Friday 9th April 2021

Following completion of their week long course we are pleased to announce that 10 more officers are now fully trained in the tactics deployed on Project Servator. This gives us much more resilience going forward and injects the full time team with fresh pairs of eyes and ears to deploy at a shopping centre or busy event/crowded place near you. Two more of our mounted colleagues along with officers from Leeds city centre NPT and other Depts. were successful and are looking forward to deploying with us and utilising their new skill set. 

Tuesday 30th March 2021

As a team Project Servator are looking forward to the lockdown lifting and shops reopening. We will be out deploying in Leeds as usual, so please feel free to come and say hello to the team.

Our partnership working with White Rose continues to grow, we have recently delivered SCaN training to staff there so they are now trained in how to spot and report suspicious activity. This is something we are rolling out to the majority of shopping centres in Leeds. 

In other news we are currently working on an exciting event which will be coming to Leeds in June.. Watch this space for updates! 

#TogetherWeveGotItCovered

Thursday 11th March 2021

For the last two weeks the Project Servator team have been working alongside Leeds Bradford Airports counter terrorism staff. They have been provided with a Servator awareness presentation and the CTSA's have delivered SCaN and ACT training.

SCaN training is due to be delivered to staff at the White Rose Centre this month and the bespoke posters have arrived this morning and look great!

Please remember to remain vigilant and report anything that you feel is suspicious, we will do the rest.

Friday 19th February 2021

The start of the new year has been a busy one for the Project Servator team . We have been keeping up to date with our training and updating our media sites.

The team have been deploying regularly across the force areas, reassuring and recruiting the public whilst at the same time deterring criminals.

We have been working closely with local businesses throughout lockdown and have also been assisting other Police sections around West Yorkshire.

The Servator team have some exciting new developments working alongside the Leeds British Transport Police and we hope that our working relationship with them will blossom throughout this year.

We ask you to remain vigilant and report anything that doesn't feel right. Please feel free to approach one of out officers whilst on deployments, call 101 or report it through our website. If its an emergency please call 999.   

#TogetherWeveGotItCovered

Thursday 31st December 2020

The Project Servator team would like to wish you all a Happy New Year. The team have some exciting events to attend and new prospects in 2021. We are hoping that when it is safe COVID restrictions will ease and the Country will start to see some normality return.

We understand how difficult this year has been for many and hope 2021 is better for everyone.

We keep regular updates on our Twitter page @WYP_Servator about what the team have been up to during the lockdown months and will keep you all updated with our progress throughout the new year.

Remember to trust your instincts and report anything you believe may be suspicious.

Friday 18th December 2020

As we approach Christmas and lockdown continues the team are still out and about working hard to keep the communities of West Yorkshire safe.

We are in the process of working alongside White Rose Shopping Centre and will have some exciting new updates and media in relation to this soon. Essential shops are still open and the team are still out. If you see us please feel free to come and say hello.

Even though these are quieter times and the majority seem to be adhering to lockdown rules it is still important that you remain vigilant and report anything that doesn't feel right. Hostile reconnaissance is still being undertaken in this country and we all need to work together to keep each other safe.

#TogetherWeveGotItCovered 

 

 

Thursday 22nd October 2020

It’s certainly disappointing for the Project Servator team that COVID is still around and massively affecting how we do business. We can only wonder at how business owners and staff members are coping through these difficult times.

Our Project Servator work is still carrying on. We are building on our partnership working – regularly adding new shops, eating establishments and soon to be announced, a full launch at a prestigious shopping centre in the area.

We ask you to stay alert and vigilant as crime and indeed hostile reconnaissance is still being undertaken in our county. If you see something that doesn’t feel right, please do not be afraid to report it. #TogetherWeveGotItCovered

Sunday 16th August 2020 

Well what an unprecedented year we've been having ! No doubt COVID has hit us all hard with people having to adapt by working and shopping differently. Potentially it has changed how we do things long term - We will have to wait and observe how the world economies react.

We in Project Servator have also had to work differently. We have been trained in a number of different areas over the last few months and now so as a team we are a very diverse and multi-skilled group.  

We have started back in the city centre and are working hard to reinforce the partnerships we had built prior to COVID. There are a lot of new faces in and around town, and sadly, a few are having to find work elsewhere but we are back on it and are picking up where we left off.

Face masks are definitely making it difficult for us to speak with the public, but if you are out and see us, please come and say hello. Even if we do have our face masks on we are more than happy to talk to you.

 

Thursday 9th January 2020

The Project Servator team enjoyed working around Leeds city centre over December. It's always busy and we get some absolutely fantastic interaction from the public. We recorded some great comments: "Lovely to see police officers out and about." "Nice to see officers on the street." "You're doing a great job." "All the stores in Leeds like what Servator brings to Leeds."

We enjoy doing what we do to keep the workers, inhabitants and visitors to West Yorkshire safe and sound. And we wouldn't have it any other way. 

 

Wednesday 13th November 2019

It was a rather busy opening to the Christmas period for the Servator team. We had the Christmas Light switch on, Remembrance Sunday and the opening of the Christmas Market. During the deployments we had a number of arrests including; 1 male for theft of pedal cycle. He also happened to have an amount of Spice on him so he was further arrested for Possession with intent to Supply. Another male was wanted on warrant. And finally a young Albanian gentleman was residing in the country on an Italian passport and so was arrested on immigration offences. We also managed to seize a couple of vehicles and issue some requests for vehicle documentation.

 

Tuesday 15th October 2019

A marvellous Leeds Light Night event was held on the 10th and 11th of October. Our team was deployed prior to, and during the event itself. Thousands of happy people came and enjoyed the installations with the only hitch being the rain on Thursday night. Over the course of our deployments 4 arrests were made; 2 for theft, 1 for immigration offences and 1 under the mental health act.

 

Wednesday 1st October 2019 

Our team was busy in the run up to, and during the UCI World Cycling event. We had successful deployments in both Bradford and Leeds and we would like to thank our colleagues at those divisions for the invaluable support they provided. 2 arrests were made, 1 in Leeds and 1 in Bradford and both were made by utilising the specialist training our Project Servator Officers have received, to be able to identify people with criminal intent. One male in Leeds had been supplying false details on a regular basis but due to the training and tenacity of our officers we were able to establish his real identity and discover that he had been wanted since 2015 on drugs offences !

The event itself went off without a hitch and that was due in no small part to our colleagues in North Yorkshire Police who based their whole 9 day security operation on Project Servator. https://www.harrogateadvertiser.co.uk/news/crime/anti-terrorism-road-blocks-in-harrogate-erected-1-10001613

 

Tuesday 30th September 2019

A warm (!) welcome to our partners in New South Wales Police who this weekend have launched Project Servator in Sydney. Congratulations cobbers and welcome to the team. Please be aware that job share is very much an option :-)

 

Wednesday 21st August 2019

So Ed Sheeran has been and gone. A massive undertaking by the council, Showsec and the Police to get everyone in and out safely. A big shame about the weather on Friday which certainly ruined a lot of carefully put together outfits ! On average the team walked 15 miles over the course of the two show nights - Much more if you add in our visits during the setting up phase, and the run up to the event. Project Servator don't just show up on the night. Our primary role is to disrupt the planning stage of an attack, so we're on hand prior to any events we attend.

 

Wednesday 7th August 2019

Sadly we don't have time to reflect on what looked like an extremely successful Pride. Project Servator is now shifting its attention to the upcoming Ed Sheeran event at Roundhay Park and the UCI World Cycling Championship. Plus, of course our regular standard deployments and all the other events (dare we say it) in the run up to Christmas !

 

Thursday 11th July 2019

Over the last 4 weeks Project Servator officers have been conducting training sessions with the CCTV operators at Safer Leeds to help them identify Hostile Reconnaissance and promote a better working relationship with Project Servator. https://www.leeds.gov.uk/saferleeds

#TogetherWeveGotItCovered

Safer Leeds

Our launch video has been selected by the Counter Terrorism Policing team to go on their website as an introduction to Project Servator. You can find it by following this link - https://www.counterterrorism.police.uk/servator/

 

Friday 7th June 2019

Project Servator have signed up to West Yorkshire Community Alert. We can now send out emails to thousands of followers. Keeping the public and local business up to date with regular information. #TogetherWeveGotItCovered

Community Alert

 

First Leeds

Bus services in Leeds are getting on board with a cutting edge police project to disrupt criminal activity. 

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A number of First Leeds services are to begin to feature specially designed artwork for Project Servator from January as part of continuing work by authorities to encourage residents to report suspicious behaviour and make it more difficult for criminals to operate.

More information can be found here.

 

 

 

Project Servator aims to disrupt a range of criminal activity, including terrorism, while providing a reassuring presence for the public.

We are working with partners, including businesses and the public, to continue to protect West Yorkshire communities and everyone who lives or works here and make it a difficult place for criminals and terrorists to operate.

Our Project Servator deployments are highly visible and unpredictable and can happen at any time, anywhere.