UNIFORMED police patrols have been stepped up across the West Midlands to help protect communities amid the Hamas-Israel conflict.
Extra officers have been deployed to key locations to reassure those who live, work, or study nearby.
West Midlands Police says it has done this to provide a visible presence and reassurance to communities and to ensure an efficient response to any incidents which are reported.
It added the conflict had a far-reaching impact on communities around the world, and it extended its full support to those affected in the West Midlands.
The police says it is working with partners and are listening to local concerns and continuously assessing the impact on communities to ensure those who live and work within them feel safe.
Assistant Chief Constable Claire Bell said: “We know this is a worrying time for some of our communities and our thoughts are with those who are affected.
“We are doing everything we can to keep people safe and ensure they feel reassured by our presence.
“Our local policing teams are monitoring the situation in communities across the region and additional officers are already patrolling key locations to prevent crime and respond to incidents.
“Anyone who has concerns, experiences threatening behaviour or is worried about their safety can approach our officers directly or get in touch with us via our normal reporting channels.”
The police said it was aware the ongoing conflict could lead to further protests over the coming days and it would ensure that an appropriate policing plan was in place to balance the right to protest against any disruption to communities.
It added any behaviour that ‘crossed the line into criminality’ would not be tolerated and equally it would take the strongest action against perpetrators of hate crime.
To report a crime, call police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.
Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
