The Community Security Trust is working with police forces and congregations around the country to ensure an "appropriate response" to any problems at and around synagogues over the High Holy-Days.

"We deeply appreciate the co-operation of our community in all of this," said the CST's Mark Gardner. "We look forward to helping everybody observe the chagim in security - and with peace of mind."

In Barnet and other London boroughs with significant Jewish communities, security is being overseen by the Specialist Operations Directorate, with Safer Neighbourhood officers carrying out additional foot patrols.

CST volunteers, synagogue security officers and police were briefed last week by Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Osborne, who is responsible for specialist operations.

Chief Inspector Simon Causer, who is in charge of the operation in Barnet, said his officers had a "very good understanding" of the festivals. "Through the Safer Neighbourhood teams, I will be putting in place an operation that builds on the excellent relationship we have with the CST and the local community."

Greater Manchester Police is arranging additional patrols at synagogues and the routes taken by congregants in Bury, Salford, Trafford and the north of the city. Chief Superintendent Jon Rush said: "We are putting extra patrols in place to make sure people feel safe and have easy access to police officers and reporting centres. We received really positive feedback from the Jewish community last year."