As discussed at the Being In Chester meeting on Tuesday, please find this weeks update in relation to Police activity in Chester City Centre.
We have continued to deploy officers on Operation Momentum, which involves visible patrols in the City. Whilst this includes the City Centre Beat Team, we are supported by the Response Patrols from the wider Chester Local Policing Unit and Forcewide resources including our Roads Crime Unit and Armed Response Vehicles.
Last Friday and Saturday saw two Chester Race meetings. On Friday evening our Licensing Officer carried out visits to Licensed premises, in company with an officer from the Security Industry Association to check that the Security staff on duty were suitably licensed and following correct procedures. We also had increased officers in the City following the Races. As you know, I also authorised a Dispersal to be in place between Friday morning and Sunday. This was utilised during the course of the weekend to remove some people who were causing anti social behaviour. Its effective as it can quickly resolve issues and prevent them escalating.
On Saturday, the City Beat Team deployed ahead of the Races in order to set the tone in terms of expected behaviour. During this time they made fifteen alcohol seizures. Again, there was an enhanced presence post races, into the night time economy. These officers also utilised the Dispersal Powers aswell as making arrests where necessary.
On Monday we carried out a Project Servator deployment into the City. Project Servator aims to deter, detect and disrupt a range of criminal activity, including terrorism, while providing a reassuring presence for the public. Our officers are experienced and specially trained to spot the tell-tale signs that someone is planning or preparing to commit an act of crime. The officers will arrive unannounced at various locations. These patrols could last for different lengths of time and involve varying numbers of officers.
We have set up Pop Up Police Stations at various locations this week as part of ASB week. This has included The Groves, Story House and McDonalds, where they have engaged with staff and customers and deterred anti social behaviour taking place.
A joint operation has taken place with the British Transport Police on Wednesday and Thursday targeting County Lines and the transportation of drugs into Chester via the rail network. This has involved the deployment of a Passive Drug Dog at Chester Railway Station, supported by uniformed and plain clothes officers from both Cheshire and British Transport Police. A number of stop searches have taken place resulting in arrests and Community Resolutions. Once I have full details in terms of numbers I will provide a full update.
Officers have this week, deployed in plain clothes in Grosvenor Park, and the wider city centre targeting asb and drug misuse.
On Thursday there was a Water Safety Partnership Event at The Groves involving Chester Beat Team, RNLI, Cheshire Fire and Rescue and North West Police Underwater Search and Marine Unit which had been arranged by the Community Safety Wardens. This provided a visible presence with a variety of organisations engaging with the public to promote the water safety message and deter anti social behaviour in the area.
If you have any questions, please get in touch.
Kind regards,
James
James Wilson – Inspector – Chester Local Policing Unit
