A HIGH profile police campaign which aims to keep crowded areas safe by enlisting the help of the community has been launched at Britain’s biggest military base.

Uniformed and undercover police officers were out in force across Catterick Garrison as part of Operation Servator, a new approach to policing high population areas.

Alongside the police presence were Automatic Number Plate Recognition and CCTV cameras to coordinate surveillance as part of the tactic first introduced by City of London Police and also used by British Transport Police.

Inspector Dave Edwards, of North Yorkshire Police’s Proactive Policing Command, said support from residents and visitors is crucial to the success of the scheme.

He added: “Project Servator enhances our existing crime prevention and public safety tactics and is being rolled-out in town centres and events across the county.

“Our officers have already been engaging with businesses and the local community over the last month to introduce them to the concept and to explain the vital role that they have to play.

“Our deployments are designed to be unpredictable and can turn up at any time.

“One day they may be highly visible, the next we will be working in a more covert way.

“We’ve got strong working relationships with security teams across Catterick including The Royal Military Police and CCTV teams and by collaborating with partners such as these, and the communities that we serve, we are creating a surveillance resource that is second to none.

“We continue to call on the public to be vigilant and report anything they deem suspicious immediately by telling a police officer, calling 101 or 999 in an emergency or call the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.”

Garrison Commander Lieutenant Colonel Joe Jordan said: “We’re dedicated to protecting those who live in and visit Catterick.

“Project Servator involves us working together with the police in a proactive and approachable way and with surrounding communities to report suspicious activity.

“People know when something is out of the ordinary but haven’t always known how to report it in the past.

“This is a chance to build on community spirit and encourage people to be our eyes and ears.

“We can never be complacent on the subject of keeping Catterick safe. If you see anything suspicious report it.”