DAYTRIPPERS and residents may have noticed a "highly visible" police presence on Southend seafront today.
Specialist officers were deployed to the seafront and popular attraction Adventure Island this afternoon for Project Servator.
As part of the random, unannounced deployment, officers have been on the look out for the tell-tale signs that someone may be carrying out hostile reconnaissance – information gathering that may help them plan or prepare to commit a crime.
Essex Police explains Project Servator’s patrols are "highly visible", but urge residents not to be concerned as this is normal police activity and is not linked to any specific intelligence about a threat to the area.
A spokesman for the force said: "Specially trained officers enlist the help of the community to develop a network of vigilance aimed at disrupting a range of criminal activity, including terrorism.
"Working with our community is a vital part of Project Servator disrupting terrorism and other criminal activity effectively.
"You have a vital role to play by reporting anything that doesn’t feel right, for example an unattended item or someone acting suspiciously. Report suspicious activity immediately to a police officer or member of security staff.
"You can also report online through our website or call us on 101.
"Suspicious activity is anything that seems out place, unusual or doesn’t seem to fit in with day-to-day life.
"If it’s an emergency, for example if you find a suspicious package, always call 999."
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