CHESHIRE Police is targeting cross border criminals as they drive into the county.

Officers will be using all the available technology, such as automatic number plate recognition systems to stop known offenders as they enter Cheshire.

They will be joining forces to with from the National Crime Agency to patrol specific locations.

Det Supt Andrew Smith said: "Targeting known criminals as they cross over the border means that we are able to prevent crimes before they actually occur.

“ By informing the offenders that they are being watched, they are then less likely to go on and commit any offences.

"As part of this operation we will be specifically targeting organised criminals who come into Cheshire from across the region to prey on our local communities and commit crimes.

"By targeting these known offenders we will be able to crackdown on acquisitive crimes such as burglary and car crime.

"I am extremely pleased with the support and assistance that we are receiving from the NCA.

I believe that this partnership approach shows the shared determination that both Cheshire Police and the NCA have to tackling organised crime."

As well as targeting criminals from outside of the county, neighbourhood officers have also been visiting known offenders within Cheshire to let them know that the force will be taking direct action against criminals.

Det Supt Smith added: "The proactive approach that we are undertaking as part of Operation Blue Christmas will help thwart some of the criminals before they have actually committed any crimes.

"It will also warn anyone who is thinking of coming to Cheshire to commit a crime that they are not welcome, and we will be taking direct action against them.”

Anyone who sees anything they believe is suspicious is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101.

Alternatively, information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Cheshire Police are also asking Halton residents to take part in Operation Blue Christmas by making their homes and businesses more secure.

Further crime reduction advice can be found on the Cheshire Police website at cheshire.police.uk