The Metropolitan Police says it has been running a specialist operation targeting antisemitic hate crimes

(Credit – Met Police)

The Metropolitan Police says more than 20 people have been arrested on suspicion of antisemitic hate crimes after it launched a specialist operation.

The Met says that it has boosted the resources dedicated to investigating hate crime so that these offences can prioritised and investigated as quickly as possible.

These increased resources are described as being part of “a wider operation focused on protecting key locations, detecting suspicious activity and disrupting those intent on causing communities harm”.

The Met also says it has been meeting regularly with community leaders following last month’s arson attack on four Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green.

Commander Andy Featherstone, who is leading the operation, said: “Hate crime, of any kind, has no place in our communities and we take all reports incredibly seriously.”

He added: “We have significantly improved how we deal with these offences and solving twice as many hate crimes compared to last year.

“However, we know some people are reluctant to come forward, and I hope this provides reassurance to communities that their reports will be treated with the seriousness they deserve.

“We are determined that London remains a safe and inclusive city for all, and this operation is part of our continued effort to achieve that aim.”

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