Merry Xmas for police as ‘naughty list’ campaign proves a hit
POLICE traced two of the suspects on its Runcorn mostwanted ‘naughty list’. Officers had been seeking Ryan Buckley, 31, wanted in connection with theft, and Lisa Walsh, 31, for failing to appear at court.
Two suspects from Runcorn on the list remained outstanding at time of writing.
Across Cheshire, the naughty list initiative led to 19 of those featured being found, out of 32 appeals in connection with offences including theft, shoplifting, assault, harassment and failing to comply with court orders.
The other two from Runcorn sought by police were James Ellis, 21, wanted for breach of a court order, and Christy O’Callaghan, 20, wanted for failing to appear at court.
The initiative was part of the constabulary’s ‘All We Want For Christ- mas’ crime prevention campaign.
Other schemes during the period included visits to licensed premises and high-visibility patrols during the evening, a bid to thwart thieves and breathalysing drivers.
Discussing the naughty list, Detective Superintendent Jon Betts, Cheshire police’s head of criminal justice, said: “This element of the constabulary’s Christmas campaign has really caught the imagination of the public, and it is largely thanks to them that it has proved to be so successful.
“Those who have been traced would quite happily have carried on living their lives and celebrated Christmas while evading the justice.
“It demonstrates the power of social media and the positive effect that everyone can have when we all pull together to help keep our communities safe.”
Anyone with any information about someone wanted by the police can call 101 or leave information anonymously on 0800 555 111. ●