Nearly 1,800 people arrested during Cheshire Police’s Christmas operation

Officers arrested 1,797 people across the county as part of a policing operation to keep people safe throughout the Christmas period – An increase of 23% in comparison to the previous year's operation.

Of these, 191 arrest were in the Macclesfield Local Policing Unit (LPU), which also covers Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, Congleton, Knutsford and Poynton.

The operation saw officers targeting perpetrators of anti-social behaviour, violence against women and girls, domestic abuse and drink and drug driving – with a particular focus on night-time economy hot spot areas with high impact policing activity throughout December.

Officers were also out stopping drivers as part of a crackdown on drink and drug driving, and as a result 166 people were arrested for drink driving and 130 people arrested for drug driving across the county.

Breakdown of arrests per LPU:

• Warrington - 318
• Chester - 285
• Crewe - 212
• Macclesfield - 191
• Northwich - 145
• Runcorn - 136
• Ellesmere Port - 128
• Widnes - 123
• Congleton - 120

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."