Police say they will be stepping up their patrols as Jewish people get ready to celebrate New Year.

Rosh Hashanah begins this evening and the festival marks the start of the High Holy Days.

Hertsmere, and neighbouring London boroughs Barnet and Harrow, are home to some of the largest Jewish communities in the UK.

Hertsmere community safety inspector Mark Bilsdon says there is no specific threat against the Jewish community in this borough - but he hopes an increased police presence will reduce any risk of anti-semitic behaviour during the celebrations.

Inspector Bilsdon said: "We hope to prevent antisemitism from occurring and reduce concerns about potential terrorist activity by providing regular, dedicated patrols at key locations.

“But we are unique in Hertsmere as we run the joint patrols consistently throughout the year.'

Officers in Hertsmere carry out these joint patrols with the Community Security Trust - a charity established to ensure the safety and security of the Jewish community in the UK. 

David Delew, CST chief executive, said: “CST and our local Jewish community are very grateful to Hertfordshire Constabulary for its help all year round, but especially over the Jewish festival period.

"The ongoing joint Police and CST patrols in Hertsmere are an excellent example of how we are working together to protect our Jewish community from anti-Jewish racism and terrorism.”

Police patrol Jewish schools and Synagogues across Hertsmere daily, with joint patrols with CST taking place every Saturday.

The public can expect to see an increased presence outside synagogues and Jewish schools over the coming weeks.

The first day of Rosh Hashanah is the beginning of ten holy days known as The High Holy days.

This is a time of repentance when Jewish people can  reflect on their actions over the previous year.

The tenth day is Yom Kippur where Jewish people fast for 25 hours and repent.

To wish a Jewish person a happy new year, you can say 'Shanah Tovah'