Statement issued in response to Chester BID crime survey

Chief Inspector Mike Ankers said: “Chester has been consistently rated as one of the safest cities in the UK and we are committed to doing all we can to keep it that way.

“As part of this commitment, we introduced a team of beat managers based in the city centre, who are all dedicated to reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in the area.

“The team work closely with residents, businesses and partner agencies, including Chester BID, to help tackle crime, ASB, homelessness and begging in the city.

It’s frustrating that the results of the survey, commissioned by Chester BID, were sent to the media before giving ourselves and our partners the chance to address the concerns raised.

“Having looked at the results of the survey it is clear that they conflict with our own recent performance statistics, which shows that the number of reports of ASB in the city centre has fallen over the past three months.

“Our data also shows that over the past three months our city centre team has:

• Conducted 136 alcohol seizures
• Issued fines to 35 people smoking on the Rows
• Given warnings to 41 cyclists
• Issued five fines for littering
• Given 11 people fines for urinating in public
• Engaged with 138 rough sleepers/beggars.

“In addition to our day-to-day work in the city centre, we have also undertaken several proactive operations in the city.

“These have included Operation Improvised, a drugs operation which resulted in the arrest of four people and the seizure of more than £2,500 worth of class A drugs.

“We also undertook Operation Performed, which specifically targeted ASB in the city centre. More than 50 stop searches were conducted, leading to the seizure of illegal drugs and the arrest of two people for possession with intent to supply illegal drugs.

“As part of the operation, we also worked closely with Cheshire West and Chester Council and local charities, to engage with the homeless community. As a result, 12 homeless referrals were made, and three sleeping encampments were removed from the city.

“Over the festive period we also conducted a number of nights of action targeting the night-time economy. This work included 60 door staff checks; 59 stop searches with 18 positive results; 18 checks at licensed premises; 16 dispersal notices issued and eight arrets for a range of offences.

“Nevertheless, we must not be complacent. I would like to reassure residents, businesses and visitors that we do take the concerns expressed in this survey seriously and I hope that the work highlighted above will provide them with some reassurance.

“However, if we really want to make our fantastic city an even safer place to live, work and visit, then we all need to work together.”

Anyone with any information in relation to crimes or ASB in Chester is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101, or at www.cheshire.police.uk/tell-us .