Two arrests during Operation Crossbow

Seven seized vehicles and two arrests were the headline results from Wednesday’s (1 June) Operation Crossbow, which targeted travelling criminals between North Wales, Merseyside and Cheshire.

The operation was aimed at disrupting criminality and increasing safety on the road networks. The joint action targeted vehicles with known links to crime and disorder.

The lead officer for the operation, Detective Chief inspector Paul Beauchamp, said: “These results show that the operation has been a success. Criminals often cross borders to conduct their activity and in many cases, there is a link between illegal vehicles and other serious crime.

“This operation was about using joint resources to make the roads in our region a hostile place for travelling criminals who do harm in our communities.”

Using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, officers were able to monitor virtually every vehicle which crossed the border between the three counties.

“We have a great range of resources such as the ANPR cameras and the technology is brilliant in identifying offenders and bringing them to justice.

“The message remains clear – you use stolen vehicles, you drive illegally, you travel the roads to commit crime, then we will target you.”

The operation resulted in:

• The seizure of 7 vehicles which were seized for no insurance, and 1 was suspected of being stolen.
• 35 Traffic Offence Reports were issued for a variety of offences, with many being for the use of a mobile phone whilst driving.
• 4 drug wipes were used which led to 1 arrest.
• There were multiple stop checks of known criminals using the road network. This has led to a significant increase to our intelligence picture.
• A prolific offender was arrested for robbery, excess alcohol, assault, false imprisonment and criminal damage to a police car.
Police & Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, David Keane, said: “I am determined to ensure that criminals are not given an easy ride, thinking they can use our roads to conduct their illegal activity.

“Operations such as these are key to tackling cross-border crime and I am pleased to see our officers in Cheshire working effectively with their colleagues in Merseyside and North Wales to tackle this menace.”

Cheshire, Merseyside and North Wales Police are keen to remind the public that they too can help keep our roads safer by reporting illegal use of vehicles to the police on 101. Alternatively information can be passed anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.