Cross-border criminals targeted in huge police operation

Criminals travelling across the border between Cheshire and Greater Manchester were greeted with more than a surprise today, Thursday 26th June, as officers from Cheshire Police and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) took part in Operation Crossbow.

The overall aim of the joint operation was to disrupt illegal activity between the two counties and deny criminals the use of the roads.

Following a briefing at Wilmslow Rugby Club more than 100 police vehicles, 200 police officers and a helicopter from National Police Air Service Barton took part in today's operation - making it the biggest of its kind.

By using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras officers were able to monitor virtually every vehicle that crossed between the two counties, stopping all vehicles that were on the roads illegally or were linked to criminal activity.

Cheshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Mark Roberts said: "We know that criminals don′t simply stop when they reach the border, and we also know that there is as strong link between illegal vehicles and other types of serious crime.

"Uninsured drivers are more likely to commit other offences and many of their vehicles are unroadworthy and pose as real danger to other road users.

"Using technology, such as ANPR cameras, we are able to use the intelligence available to us to identify offenders and bring them to justice."

Officers from Cheshire Police and Greater Manchester Police stopped 344 vehicles as part of Operation Crossbow.

They recovered two stolen vehicles and seized cash and drugs. 15 people have been arrested for offences including drugs, money laundering, driving while disqualified and drink driving.

Additionally, 30 motorists were breathalysed as part of the operation, 19 vehicles were seized and 94 Fixed Penalty Notices were issued for offences such as driving while using a mobile and not wearing a seat belt

John Dwyer, Police & Crime Commissioner for Cheshire said "Operation Crossbow clearly demonstrates how effective collaboration can be. Officers showed they have the skills and ability to be involved in major operations, which will have significant benefits for the communities of Cheshire for some time to come."