Police officers in Nantwich have been given more powers to stop and search anyone they suspect of carrying a weapon, it emerged today.
It follows a number of incidents over the past week of threats and criminal damage in the town, mainly involving youths.
The powers have been granted temporarily under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act (1994).
It means that officers can stop and search any person or vehicle they believe may be carrying weapons or causing serious violence in a particular area, whether or not they have any grounds of suspicion.
The powers will be in place from midday today (Sunday September 17) and remain in place until 7am tomorrow morning (Monday September 18).
It applies to all of Nantwich town centre and much of the surrounding area of the town (pictured).
Detective Chief Inspector Danielle Knox said: “We’ve seen a number of increasingly concerning incidents involving a group of young people in the town, intimidating residents and causing misery for businesses and those working in Nantwich.
“Imposing this order is one of the ways in which we are tackling this issue and we’re working hard to identify and locate those responsible.
“Along with the order, there will be an additional police presence across the town and anyone believed to be causing disruption in the community will be targeted.
“Anyone who has any concerns about this – or, indeed, any information that can help us – please speak to an officer.”
If you have information about someone who is carrying a weapon, please call Cheshire Police on 101 or provide information online: Provide more information about an appeal to Cheshire Constabulary here
You can also provide information anonymously through Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111.
If a crime is taking place, dial 999 immediately.
Cheshire Police: Weak on crime, weak on the causes of crime. Do you remember how Nantwich was flooded with police during COVID? You couldn’t go ten yards without seeing a police car or van and seeing officers breaking up dangerous gatherings of pensioners. Yet when there is some actual crime taking place or antisocial behaviour they are nowhere to be seen. An extra PCSO here and there will do nothing to dissuade these yobs and the town will soon be a no-go area after dark.
Why would you do this for one day? And why advertise it. Do it permanently. If they are going to do it, do a Saturday night where the idiots are out in force.
They need to make life difficult for people who cause disruption and violence. If the police were present in the town (real police not PCSO) and CPS actually punished people severely it would make a difference.
There are several i wont call them children they are brats riding around on bikes causing mayhem, when spoken to all you get is foul mouth abuse, the police know who they are because they were photographed, they where about again last night, police remind me what they look like.
What the point of it running from noon Sunday to 7am Monday? Seems rather pointless. Would be better from Fri to Mon or all week