Police are carrying out sudden deployments in Richmond in a bid to disrupt crime.

Transport police officers were in the town centre railway station today (Tuesday, March 23).

They attended as part of Project Servator, a police tactic used across the country.

British Transport Police explain it below.

What is Project Servator?

British Transport Police use Project Servator to disrupt a wide range of criminal activity on the rail network, including terrorism, and to provide a reassuring presence for passengers.

The approach relies on unpredictable and highly visible police deployments, whilst at the same time, building a network of vigilance made up of railway partners and the general public.

Our Project Servator officers are specially trained in spotting the tell-tale signs of criminal or terrorist intent, and you can expect to see them anytime, anywhere.

It's part of our ongoing commitment to protect the railways and everyone who uses them, making the network a difficult network for criminals and terrorists to operate within.

Since 2015, there have been over 650 arrests as a result of Project Servator deployments, which have seen everything from knives and drugs to wanted criminals being taken off the streets.

What will you see?

If a Project Servator deployment is happening where you are, it's nothing to worry about. They are normal police deployments and our officers are there to keep you safe. They can be made up of a range of resources, including specially-trained uniformed and plain clothed officers, armed police, and police dogs. Not to mention, over 150,000 CCTV cameras across the network which help us to have eyes everywhere.

We will turn up unannounced at railway stations and on trains to carry out patrols. They will be unpredictable, so they could happen at any time, last for different amounts of time and involve varying numbers of officers and assets.

Officers will talk to the public, rail staff and local businesses to let them know what they are doing and remind them to be vigilant, trust their instincts and report any suspicious or unusual behaviour.

Working together with the community is a vital part of making Project Servator a success. If you have any questions please feel free to talk to our officers when you see them out and about. They are happy to tell you more about the work they are doing to keep you safe. Together, we've got it covered.