Cross-border crime fight tackles rural theft
POLICE have completed a cross-border operation to tackle rural crime.
It was led by two Macclesfield rural community beat managers, PC Lesley Long and PC Matt Chapman, and involved community beat team PC Charnock and PC Binder, Special Sergeant Chris Hill and Special Constable Paul Summerton, as well as the road policing unit.
Derbyshire Police joined the operation by patrolling border roads including the Cat and Fiddle, the A6 into Disley and the A54 towards Leek.
Pc Long said the crackdown aimed to catch farm machinery thieves.
She said: “Lots of vehicles were stop checked and people spoken too and although there were no arrests there was loads of community engagement, including farmers on their tractors and towing trailers and they really appreciated us being pro-active.
“Two vans were seized for no insurance by the road policing unit and two vehicles were also seized for no insurance in Derbyshire.
“The aim of this operation was to detect crime and prosecute suspects who steal the equipment, to disrupt cross border offending, to protect vulnerable people living in isolated rural locations and to increase confidence in the rural and farming community by showing that we are here for the community.
“Cheshire Police is committed to tackling rural crime. By working with partner agencies and neighbouring forces, our day of action should provide reassurance to our communities that we’re here for justice.”