High visibility operation takes place in Chester in run-up to Christmas

Officers in Chester have conducted a high visibility operation in the city centre to provide reassurance to members of the public as footfall increases during the festive season.

On Wednesday 10th December, officers were out in force engaging with residents, businesses, and visitors, offering advice and support and conducting foot patrols around key areas of the city centre.

The day of action attracted a lot of attention from passers-by thanks to mounted patrols. The two Greater Manchester Police horses carried out patrols in the city, stopping regularly to engage with the public.

More four-legged friends travelled to the city centre to carry out training at various venues. The Digi dogs put their noses to good use practicing sniffing out digital evidence.

The Roads and Crime Unit carried out drink and drug driving checks, the Underwater Search Team proactively searched areas of the canal, and overt armed patrols were also utilised.

The Safety Bus was on hand, with officers engaging with the public to give out crime prevention advice. Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service also attended to provide safety advice.

Project Servator deployments took place during the operation. This involves uniformed and plain-clothes officers who are specially trained to spot the tell-tale signs that someone is planning or preparing to commit an act of crime.

Servator officers engaged with businesses, partners, and members of the public to remind them to report anything suspicious – especially as Chester gets busier as we approach Christmas - to build a network of vigilance where everyone looks out for each other.

Inspector James Wilson, of Chester Local Policing Unit, said:

“This operation provided a visible policing presence in the city centre and across Chester to provide reassurance to residents, businesses and visitors, while disrupting criminality.

“Many people stopped to ask what we were doing, and we had lots of positive feedback – especially about the two police horses who drew quite the crowd!

“We hope the policing presence serves as a reminder of the various tactics we use to support members of the public and disrupt criminal activity in the area every day. 

“We are continuing operations like this in Chester throughout December while footfall is busy, but we’d like to remind everyone to look out for each other and report anything which doesn’t feel right to police and security staff – you are our extra eyes and ears on the ground. 

“If you have any information about criminal activity in your community, please contact Cheshire Police online or call 101. In an emergency, always call 999.”