VILLIERS CALLS FOR EXTRA POLICE VIGILANCE ON ANTI-SEMITISM FOLLOWING GAZA CRISIS

MP for Chipping Barnet, Theresa Villiers, has been in touch with the Barnet Borough Police Commander's office to urge them to step up their vigilance on anti-semitic attacks. Speaking to Neil Seabridge, who is deputising for Borough Commander, Neil Basu, Theresa emphasised the importance of focusing efforts on this type of crime at a time when media controversy has arisen in relation to the Gaza blockade.

Speaking later, Theresa said “Research indicates that there tends often to be a very worrying rise in anti-semitic incidents and attacks if Israel is attracting controversial coverage in the news. That means extra vigilance from the police is needed at this difficult time.”

“Anti-semitic attacks are absolutely unacceptable in a civilised society. I was reassured to hear from Mr Seabridge that Barnet police are fully aware of the increased risk currently faced. Our local police place a high priority on combating anti-semitic crime and they have stepped up their activities in recent days, with daily monitoring, increased reassurance patrols, special briefing for local police teams and initiatives to encourage reporting of anti-semitic incidents.”

“I was also pleased to hear that the police are working closely with the Community Security Trust who do so much valuable work in combating anti-semitic incidents.”