Several people have been arrested and vehicles seized in a police operation targeting criminals using the road network across Nantwich and Crewe.
More than 100 officers have been involved in “Operation Crossbow” and made arrests linked to theft, immigration, modern slavery and motoring offences.
Among them a 29-year-old man from Shavington who has been arrested after £730 of good were stolen from a Nantwich builders merchant.
CCTV showed a suspect driving off and he was identified and found to be a disqualified driver.
Yesterday (June23), the vehicle linked to the suspect and the offence was sighted near junction 16 of the M6 and was later stopped at Lymm services where a suspect was arrested for theft, disqualified driving and no insurance.
Officers also carried out Trucam speed enforcement on 30mph limit roads including Waterlode, Shrewbridge Road and Crewe Road in Nantwich.
More than 1,000 vehicles were sighted, with a high of 43mph recorded, and 19 offences to be processed.
A number of uninsured vehicles have been taken off the road, and a number of people arrested for disqualified driving as well as tickets issued for no MOT, insecure loads, defective tyres and obscured windscreens.
Officers from various departments worked alongside colleagues from Staffordshire Police and British Transport Police, Trading Standards, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency and the Motorway Insurance Bureau.
Teams carried out weight checks of vehicles carrying heavy loads on motorways, conducted stop and search operations in railway stations, seized non-roadworthy vehicles and stopped drivers on busy roads who were without insurance, not wearing seatbelts or being distracted by using mobile phones or Sat Navs.
They also visited commercial premises to locate and seize illegal tobacco and vape products, conduct extradition warrants and arrest outstanding offenders.
In total, the day produced 161 speeding activations (Hand-held and Static Van), 56 TORS issued, 35 stop searches, 26 Op Learn (HGV security) engagements, 19 checks at locations for immigration and trading standards including several fines issued, one person arrested on extradition warrant, two illegal workers detained, and 3,500 illegal vapes seized worth around £5,000.
There were 14 arrests made, 11 PG9 notices issued, 11 community resolutions issued, six vehicle seizures, three postal requisitions submitted, two PNDs issued in relation to parking, and one yellow card issued.
Chief Inspector Cameron Taylor, who the oversaw operational response, said: “The successful operation is a testament to the hard work of the many officers from several departments across the Constabulary and our partner organisations coming together to directly target criminality within the eastern area of Cheshire.
“We have seen a high number of traffic offences reported and several vehicles seized either being driven dangerously, were not safe to be driven or incorrectly insured, thus further limiting the likelihood of incidents and continually making Cheshire’s roads safe for those who live, work and travel through the county.
“I would like to thank our partner agencies as well as our officers from the Roads and Crime Unit and our Local Policing teams in their activity across the eastern area of the county as part of Operation Crossbow.
“Their proactivity and engagement have helped us identify and remove drivers that should not have gotten behind the wheel.”
Chief Constable Mark Roberts added: “Our officers are committed to protecting our communities and work tirelessly every day to prevent and disrupt criminal activity.
“This latest operation shows just a small snapshot of their unwavering efforts as these are all areas in which we excel at day in, day out, and are part of our everyday policing tactics to continue to keep people safe and reduce crime.
“Operations like this send out a strong message that Cheshire is a hostile environment for those who wish to commit crime and that anyone who chooses to abuse our roads will be located and held accountable for their actions.”
Wow, police getting speeding motorists, that will make people sleep safe in their beds. Put the police on the beat and make them walk round Nantwich and Crewe in the night instead of just sitting in their cars. The only contact most law-abiding people have with the police is to be done for 33 in a 30. I think most of the population now have very little respect for them, apart from career criminals who think they are great as they are very unlikely to be caught.
Fantastic, action being taken at last for these people who flout the law, by whatever means. Should be more of these operations and on Aroads.
agree
It is encouraging to know the police are being effective. Please do this work on a daily basis!