Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards has welcomed a £9 million government funding boost aimed at strengthening the policing response to protect the county's Jewish community.

The Home Office funding, spread over the next three years, will be given to Hertfordshire Constabulary as part of a national package for 11 police forces responsible for safeguarding Jewish communities.

Hertfordshire is home to the third largest Jewish population in the UK, behind only London and Manchester. The funding comes amid continued concerns about rising antisemitism following incidents across the country and in neighbouring north London.

Mr Ash-Edwards said the additional investment would help the force build on work already under way to reassure communities, increase visible policing and strengthen protective security.

In recent months, the Police and Crime Commissioner and Hertfordshire Chief Constable have met Jewish residents and community leaders, visited synagogues, held reassurance meetings at police headquarters and overseen increased patrols in areas where they are most needed.

The Commissioner has also lobbied the Home Office to ensure Hertfordshire received what he described as a fair share of national funding, arguing the county's significant Jewish population should be properly recognised.

Jonathan Ash-Edwards said: "This is significant funding for Hertfordshire and it is exactly the kind of practical support I have been calling for.

"Hertfordshire has a large and vibrant Jewish community and I know from speaking directly to residents, rabbis, school leaders and community organisations how deeply recent events have been felt.

"No one should have to look over their shoulder because of their faith. Antisemitism is a stain on society and it must never be tolerated in Hertfordshire or beyond. We can and must do more to defeat it.

"The Chief Constable and I have listened carefully to the Jewish community and action is being taken. That has included visits to synagogues, reassurance meetings with community leaders, increased patrols and ongoing work with police, the Community Security Trust and local partners.

"I have also made the case to government that Hertfordshire needs proper resources for this work. Our county cannot be treated as an afterthought when we have one of the largest Jewish communities outside London and when the impact of hate crime is being felt so strongly here.

"This funding will help Hertfordshire Constabulary put more capacity behind the work already under way to protect communities, deter offenders and give people confidence that the police are there for them.

"The message is clear. Hertfordshire stands with its Jewish community and we will do everything we can to keep people safe."

Hertfordshire Constabulary is now developing operational plans for how the funding will be used, with a focus on increasing visible reassurance patrols, enhancing protective security measures and strengthening engagement with local communities.

The Police and Crime Commissioner said he would continue working closely with the Constabulary, the Community Security Trust, Jewish community leaders and other partners to ensure concerns are acted upon quickly.

Residents are encouraged to report incidents of hate crime, antisemitism or suspicious behaviour to help police build intelligence and respond effectively. In an emergency, call 999. Non-emergency reports can be made online, via web chat or by calling 101. Anonymous information can also be provided to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.