Thirteen arrested and 82 cannabis plants recovered in joint cross-border crackdown for Operation Crossbow

Thirteen people were arrested, and 82 cannabis plants were recovered in a joint crackdown on cross-border criminals for Operation Crossbow on Wednesday 8 March.

The day of action saw Cheshire Constabulary join forces with North Wales Police and British Transport Police, deploying more than 200 officers in a bid to disrupt and deny criminals using roads across the region.

Critical in tactically policing the border, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras were used by officers to virtually monitor vehicles crossing between the counties.

Stop checks were made on all vehicles that were linked to criminal activity or operating on the roads illegally.

Activity also took place in Chester and Ellesmere Port, in a further crackdown on those who bring misery to communities.

Some of the day's results include:
• Thirteen arrests – Eight in Cheshire and five in North Wales, for offences such as possession with intent to supply, rape and domestic violence.
• Nine people stopped and dealt with for using a mobile phone while driving.
• 1 vehicle was seized.
• 36 speeding offences recorded and dealt with in Hough Green and Christleton.
• 17 HGVs stopped resulting in 10 Graduated Fixed Penalty Notices (GFPN) handed out at £1,500 in costs.
• 82 cannabis plants recovered.

Chief Inspector John Forshaw said: “During this day of action, we have shown our continued commitment to the communities of Cheshire and North Wales and our promise to make the region a hostile environment for criminals to operate in. This operation is an extension of the excellent work we do between the forces on a daily basis.

“We are relentless in our pursuit to disrupt criminal activity especially on and around our borders - we will use all the resources available to us to make it even more difficult for those intent on crossing the border to commit crime.

“The day has been an all-round success, showcasing the Constabulary’s solid efforts to impede any potential criminal activity taking place on or across the borders.

“Operation Crossbow is a prime example of how, by working with neighbouring forces, we can bolster our collective knowledge in taking out criminals who rely on the road network to commit offences.

“It’s quite clear, we will not stop in pursuing those who are intent on coming into Cheshire to commit crime."