Avon and Somerset Constabulary are constantly striving to protect all of the visible minority communities in our area. This need has never been more stark than today, at a time of international conflict, coupled with a rise in right wing extremism across Europe. Consequently, minority faith places of worship can become the focus of extremist attack.

In the last six years, over £45,000 has been invested in target hardening a variety of vulnerable sites, from mosques to synagogues, gurdwaras, temples and meeting places. Funds have been generously contributed from both central and local government, charities and most notably Safer Bristol.

Some higher level protective security work has had to be out-sourced, but the Safer Homes Team, based at Newfoundland Road Police Station have offered invaluable support and the highly effective delivery of the majority of protective security measures for these increasingly vulnerable communities.

A strong partnership has been forged between the Police Service, the minority communities themselves and key agencies such as Support Against Racist Incidents (SARI). The then Deputy Director of SARI, Dr Shobha Das MBE commented, "Tom Hickmott and Dylan Aplin were very responsive to SARI's request for security advice relating to the Somali Resource Centre. They made some swift and effective improvements to the premises in Barton Hill, and their work went a long way to making this vulnerable community feel safer. We hope this positive contact will improve the level of trust and confidence the community has in the police. We are grateful to Dylan and Tom for their help".