Cheshire officers working to keep our town centres even safer

From 26th October to 22nd November Cheshire Constabulary is joining police forces across England and Wales in supporting the government’s Safer Town Centres initiative.

The initiative is part of the ongoing national neighbourhood policing work, with officers increasing their presence in hotspot areas and working with partner agencies to keep town centres safe.

In Cheshire, there will be a focus on tackling shoplifting and retail crime, reducing ASB and street crime and strengthening partnership working.

Activity throughout the month will include supporting retailers through National Safer Business Action Week, working with partners and residents to reduce the impact of knife crime through Op Sceptre and preventing and tackling ASB during the Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night period.

Supt Andy Baker, Local Policing, said:

“In Cheshire we have a real focus on neighbourhood policing and will continue this work to support this initiative and keep our communities safe. 

“This will be done with partners including local authorities, housing associations, retailers and charities, who our dedicated local officers will continue to work with to protect, support and reassure residents and businesses across the county. 

“By working together we are able to go further in tackling the issues that matter the most to our communities and ensure Cheshire remains a safe place for everyone who lives, works and visits here.”

Under new legislation, Neighbourhood Policing Teams will also soon have tougher powers to tackle persistent ASB.

This includes the introduction of Respect Orders to enable swift enforcement against prolific offenders.

A breach of a Respect Order will be a criminal offence and punishment could result in prison sentences, unlimited fines and community sentences such as unpaid work and curfews.

Supt Baker added:

“Over the next month there will be a number of activities taking place across Cheshire that fall under Safer Town Centres, including further operations tackling retail crime, street robbery and anti-social behaviour in our town centres and local communities.

“Antisocial behaviour, retail crime and street crime have a big impact on local communities and will not be tolerated in Cheshire. Those who commit these offences can expect to face the consequences of their actions.”