Forces combine to crack down on criminals

SUSPECTED criminals were dealt a surprise in Widnes when they were greeted by police from two forces as part of a high-profile operation.

Officers from both Cheshire and Merseyside police operated in Widnes on Thursday, January 18, aiming to deny criminals the use of the region’s roads.

Dozens of officers took part in the operation which focused on several routes between Cheshire and Merseyside in the crackdown on crossborder crime.

Sergeant Andrew Nixon from Cheshire’s Taskforce Unit said: “Criminals don’t simply stop committing crimes when they reach the border, but instead they rely on our road network to enable them to commit criminal offences.

“There is a strong link between the illegal use of vehicles and other serious and organised crime, which is why we are working together with our colleagues to target and disrupt these criminals as they travel across the region.”

Through the use of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology, intelligence and knowledge of the area, officers were able to target vehicles crossing between the two counties and stop those using the roads illegally or linked to criminal activity.

Sergeant Nixon added: “This operation shows the determination and commitment of Cheshire police to intercept and disrupt those using the regions road for criminal purposes.

“I hope that this operation provides reassurance local residents that we’re here for communities and were committed to achieving justice.

“I would also like to reassure residents that this is not a one off operation, we’re relentless in our pursuit of organised crime and our officers patrol the roads 365 days a year and will continue to target criminals.

The message is clear – if you use stolen vehicles, you drive illegally, you travel the roads to commit crime, we will target you.”

To report the illegal use of vehicles call police on 101 or give information anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Residents can also submit dashcam video footage online via www. cheshire.police.uk ● Top: Officers are briefed before the operation ● Bottom left and right: Police pulled over several cars during the operation