The number of Macclesfield arrests as part of Cheshire Police's 'Christmas Crackdown' could reach triple figures this weekend, as festive party season reaches its apex.

'Mad Friday', which is known as the busiest day of the Christmas Party season, is to take place on Friday.

As of publication, there have been 83 arrests in the Macclesfield area since December 1.

This was when Cheshire Police announced they would target 'anti-social behaviour, violence against women and girls, domestic abuse and drink and drug driving', with a focus on the 'nightlife economy'.

A further 162 arrests were made across the county. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

27 arrests were reported in Macclesfield on December 6, meaning there has been an increase of 56 in less than ten days.

For comparisons sakes, Congleton has had 50 arrests related to the operation since the start of the month, whereas Crewe has had 101.

745 of these arrests have occurred since December 1 across Cheshire.

Last Friday, Macclesfield Police officers conducted licence checks at nine premises, and all was found to be in order.

Police dog Barney was also kept busy, with five people found in possession of illegal drugs (three with cannabis and two with cocaine).

All five offenders were dealt with at the scene and the drugs were seized and will now be destroyed.

Following the successful operation on Friday night, officers were out on the streets again on Sunday 11 December, when they visited Macclesfield town centre to engage with residents and remind them about the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) which is now in place in the town.

The order, which was implemented by Cheshire East Council following a referral from the Constabulary came into force on 18 July 2022, means that is it now an offence to refuse to hand alcohol over to an officer when requested to do so. 

The PSPO also bans people from urinating in public. Anyone who breaches the order faces a heavy fine of up to £1,000.

Inspector Christian Watkins, of Macclesfield LPU said:

"We're committed to doing all we can to keep residents safe this Christmas and will use all of the tools available to us to achieve our goal. 

"While the vast majority of people we engaged with over the weekend were behaving safely and responsibly, there were a small number of people who were found in possession of illegal drugs, and they have all been dealt with. 

"I would like to thank all the licensees and residents that we spoke to for their cooperation and I hope that this weekend's activity provided some reassurance to the local community by demonstrating that we were working hard to keep them safe.

"The message is clear; we will not stand for any drugs related offences or anti-social behaviour in Cheshire this Christmas."

Hurdsfield's new PCSO is also settling into their new role ahead of their first Christmas in the Macclesfield policing ward.

See Also: Hospital waiting times still 'outrageous' despite reduction says Hurdsfield councillor

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