Chester: Police team search canal as part of day of action

The Underwater Search Team located mobile phones and a knife in the Shropshire Union Canal yesterday, as part of Operation Crossbow.

The operation saw several departments working together including roads policing, motorcycles, dogs, drones, Underwater Search Team, Special Constabulary, and local policing.

Following a morning briefing at Cheshire Constabulary’s headquarters in Winsford, officers made their way to key locations.

Operation Tramline was utilised on the M6, with officers using an unmarked HGV to patrol the motorway, identifying any offences committed by drivers travelling into or through Cheshire.

E-bikes and scooters were seized in Chester. (Image: Cheshire Police)

Hotspot locations known for criminality were targeted across the county, helping to disrupt various types of offending and community issues, such as drug-related activity and anti-social behaviour.

As part of the day, Operation Hunted was also carried out, seeking to arrest individuals wanted on a variety of offences.

The overall results from the day included:

• A total of 25 arrests across the county for a variety of offences, including drugs offences, possession of an offensive weapon, burglary, and prison licence recall.
• 20 traffic offence reports (TORs) issued across Cheshire’s roads. This included people using mobile phones while driving, not using a seatbelt, and overweight vehicles.
• More than 170 motorists captured travelling above the speed limit.
• E-bikes and e-scooters seized in Chester.
• Items recovered from the Shropshire Union Canal by the Underwater Search Team, including mobile phones and a knife.
• A warrant conducted in Runcorn in relation to drugs offences.
• More than 600 people went through a knife arch in Macclesfield, with no weapons identified.
• 25 stop searches following positive indications by a drugs dog in Crewe.
• More than 40 unannounced visits to registered sex offenders across Cheshire by the Sex Offender Management Unit to ensure they were complying with conditions.

Chief Inspector Jamie Lewis, who was overseeing the operation, said: “Yesterday’s operation highlighted our zero-tolerance approach to criminality across Cheshire.

“Throughout the day we used a whole host of tactics to disrupt criminals working in Cheshire, and it is important to note that we use these regularly as part of our everyday policing tactics.

“We ensure the full force of the law is used against those who think they can commit crime in our communities, and I hope this will reassure the public that we are always striving to stay one step ahead and stamp down on illegal activity.”

Chief Constable Mark Roberts said:

“Our officers are committed to protecting our communities and work tirelessly every day to prevent and disrupt criminal activity. This latest operation shows just a small snapshot of their unwavering efforts.

“We’re sending out a strong message that Cheshire is a hostile environment for those who wish to commit crime. You will be located, and you will be held responsible.”