OVER 250 people were arrested in Runcorn and Widnes over the Christmas period in a specialist operation by Cheshire police.

The festive season saw 136 people in Runcorn arrested, and 123 in Widnes, as part of Cheshire police’s targeted moves to keep people safe over Christmas.

Officers arrested 1,797 people across Cheshire, an increase of 23% in comparison to the operation that took place the previous year.

These changes included officers targeting anti-social behaviour, violence against women and girls, domestic abuse, and drink and drug driving. Cheshire Police also focused particularly on night-time “economy hot spot areas” with high impact policing activity throughout December.

The county’s police force also put in place extra measures in order for officers to act in high visibility operations, making sure people across the area could feel safe.

The local ‘Special Constabulary’ supported frontline neighbourhood policing and targeted operations. They volunteered a total of 3,154 hours, assisting with the arrest of more than 100 people across Cheshire.

‘Safe space’ safety buses were also stationed across the county providing valuable support to those who felt vulnerable or needed assistance. More than 750 people benefited from these safety buses as part of the schemes intentions to keep Cheshire safe.

Head of local policing for Cheshire Constabulary, Chief Superintendent Peter Crowcroft, said:

“The visibility of our officers – and the action that was taken against anyone intent on committing crime or causing harm – will have reassured our communities that we were working hard to keep them safe over the Christmas period.

“The message was clear this year ‘we will not stand for anyone intent on causing harm in our communities – and while the majority of people enjoyed their Christmas safely and responsibly, some people decided to ignore our warning and commit crime regardless. They were dealt with accordingly and they have no-one to blame but themselves.

“Rest assured our efforts to keep people safe and keep criminals off our streets doesn’t end with Christmas. We will continue to take robust action against anyone who believes they are above the law and make them face the consequences of their actions all year round.

“I also want to say a massive thank you to all the officers, staff and volunteers who worked tirelessly over the Christmas period - some who missed spending time with their own families - to keep the people of Cheshire safe.”