Multi-agency day of action takes place across Chester

Officers across Chester have taken part in a multi-agency day of action targeting a range of criminality across the city.

On Wednesday 5th March, officers from Chester Local Policing Unit took part in a high-profile operation, working together with partners from several organisations to tackle and disrupt criminality, while providing a reassuring presence for the public and business owners. 

The activities that took place in Chester included:

• Passive drugs dogs were deployed within Chester city centre to detect anyone carrying illegal drugs.
• Visits by the Western Exploitation Team to help protect vulnerable people.
• A warrant was executed at an address in Blacon.
• The Roads and Crime Unit, plus the Motorcycle Unit, were deployed, targeting the illegal use of e-bikes and those using Chester’s roads for criminality.
• The Sex Offender Management Unit carried out visits to registered sex offenders to ensure they were complying with any orders they are subject to.
• The Safer Streets Bus was deployed to the Countess of Chester Country Park to engage with the public and complete Residents Voice Surveys.
• The Underwater Search Unit carried out proactive searches of the canal in the Cow Lane bridge area.
• The County Lines Task Force from British Transport Police was deployed to Chester Railway Station to target those travelling by train to commit criminality in the area.
• Licensing visits were carried out at various shops across Chester city centre.
• Taxi licensing checks were carried out in conjunction with Cheshire West and Chester Licensing Team to ensure they were compliant with their regulations.

Over the course of the day there were the following results:

• Eight arrests including for theft of a motor vehicle, disqualified driving and immigration offences.
• 14 Traffic Offence Reports issued.
• Three vehicle seizures.
• Three taxi drivers given advisory notices.
• 25 stop searches during the passive drug dog operation.

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

“Today’s operation has produced some great results.

“Throughout the day we used a whole host of tactics to disrupt criminal activity in Chester, as well as working with partners, but it is important to note that we use these regularly as part of our everyday policing tactics.

“Along with targeting criminality, the day was also about reassuring the public that we are proactively tackling those who are up to no good and we’ll continue to run operations like this to support the communities we serve."

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.