Cross border criminals targeted in day of action under Operation Crossbow

Cross border criminals travelling between Cheshire and Greater Manchester were targeted today (Tuesday 12 July) in a show of force as part of Operation Crossbow.

The day of action saw Cheshire Constabulary join forces with Greater Manchester Police (GMP), deploying more than 150 officers in a bid to disrupt and deny criminals using roads across the region.
 
Critical in tactically policing the border, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras were used by officers to virtually monitor vehicles crossing between the counties.
 
Stop checks were made on all vehicles that were linked to criminal activity or operating on the roads illegally. 

Officers also had use of Operator Initiated Facial Recognition (OIFR), allowing them to photograph a person’s face and compare it in real time to a reference image database to assist them to confirm the identity of the person in front of them – this can be used when someone is believed to have provided false details and cannot provide identification.

Another initiative used by officers is Operation Yellow Card – which allows officers who suspect someone is carrying out criminal activity to issue them with a warning card.

Activity also took place in Warrington and Halton, in a further crackdown on those who bring misery to communities.
 
Superintendent Sarah Heath: “During this day of action, we have shown our commitment to the communities of Cheshire and our promise to make the region a hostile environment for criminals to operate. 
 
“We are relentless in our pursuit to disrupt criminal activity especially on and around our borders - we will use all the resources available to us to make it even more difficult for those intent on crossing the border to commit crime.
 
“The day has been an all-round success, showcasing the Constabulary’s solid efforts to impede any potential criminal activity taking place on or across the borders.
 
“We have sent a clear and direct message to those using our roads to commit crime that they are not welcome in Cheshire, and they will be brought to justice.”
 
Chief Constable Mark Roberts said: “It’s quite clear, we will not stop in pursuing those who are intent on coming into Cheshire to commit crime.
 
“Operation Crossbow is a prime example of how, by working with neighbouring forces, we can bolster our collective knowledge in taking out criminals who rely on the road network to commit offences.
 
“There is also 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 these criminals as they travel across the region.
 
“We cannot underestimate the impact of cross-border crime on our local communities and we will do all we can to protect the public we serve.”
 
Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer, said: “Cheshire Police’s work throughout Operation Crossbow has been fantastic and I would like to thank all officers involved for their commitment to stopping County Lines activity in its tracks.

“Preventing and tackling crime, in particular disrupting organised crime groups, is key to delivering the Police and Crime Plan and it is crucial that Cheshire continues to be a difficult place for these criminals to operate. 

“I hope this day of action reassures Cheshire’s residents that police officers are out there, keeping you safe and putting a stop to criminal activity in the county.

"I am also committed to protecting the vulnerable people that are most at risk from becoming involved in county lines activity by funding crime prevention activities in order to deter them from this criminal direction.”