800 residents visited as part of serious and organised crime day of action

The local community in Macclesfield have been engaging with police officers as part of an initiative to raise awareness of the impact of serious and organised crime.

More than 800 residents learnt how to spot the key signs of drug criminality and exploitation involving children and vulnerable people that could be taking place in their community and how to report it.

Officers also visited and gave advice to people who are vulnerable and could be targeted by criminals associated with organised crime groups.

The day involved a number of partner agencies including Trading Standards, health authorities, adult and child social care as well as Cheshire East Council, SWAB squad, Youth Justice, housing associations and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Detective Inspector John O’Driscoll, of Macclesfield Policing Unit, said: “Engaging with residents about serious and organised helps to  prevent and deter organised crime groups from travelling into our town to exploit young and vulnerable people in order to profit from the supply of drugs.

“We can’t deter this type of criminality on our own so we work with our partners to educate and inform residents on how they too can make an impact on preventing serious and organised crime from happening in their area. 

“I think the community are aware of how relentless we are in creating an atmosphere that is perceived as hostile to these criminals and the day of action will go a long way in further hammering home that message.”

 You can find all the signs you should be looking out for here:

https://www.cheshire.police.uk/police-forces/cheshire-constabulary/areas/cheshire/campaigns/campaigns/2019/impact/ 

If you believe drug activity is taking place in your community please contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

 Information can also be provided by calling Cheshire Constabulary on 101 or reporting via the website:

https://www.cheshire.police.uk/tell-us