Officers arrested 1,797 people across Cheshire as part of a policing operation to keep people safe throughout the Christmas period – An increase of 23% in comparison to the previous year's operation.

10.62% per cent of those arrests were in Macclesfield, or more accurately, the Macclesfield Local Policing area which also includes towns not covered by Macclesfield Nub News like Knutsford.

A Freedom of Information request has been submitted by Nub News for a breakdown of these 191 Macclesfield crimes, which saw Macclesfield Local Policing Unit rank fourth out of the nine areas covered by Cheshire Police.

The operation saw officers targeting perpetrators of anti-social behaviour, violence against women and girls, domestic abuse and drink and drug driving – with a particular focus on night-time economy hot spot areas with high impact policing activity throughout December.

Almost 200 arrests occurred over the Macclesfield Local Policing Unit.

Extra measures were put in place across the county and high visibility operations were carried out which saw officers work closely with partner agency staff to make sure law-abiding people could enjoy their Christmas safely.

Officers were also out stopping drivers as part of a crackdown on drink and drug driving, and as a result 166 people were arrested for drink driving and 130 people arrested for drug driving across the county. 

The Special Constabulary volunteered a total of 3,154 hours throughout the Christmas period, supporting frontline neighbourhood policing and targeted operations. Specials assisted with or arrested more than 100 people for a variety of offences including drink and drug driving. 

Head of local policing for Cheshire Constabulary, Chief Superintendent Peter Crowcroft, said: "The visibility of our officers – and the action that was taken against anyone intent on committing crime or causing harm – will have reassured our communities that we were working hard to keep them safe over the Christmas period. 

Chief Superintendent Peter Crowcroft outside Cheshire Police HQ in Winsford.

"The message was clear this year 'we will not stand for anyone intent on causing harm in our communities – and while the majority of people enjoyed their Christmas safely and responsibly, some people decided to ignore our warning and commit crime regardless. They were dealt with accordingly and they have no-one to blame but themselves.

"Rest assured our efforts to keep people safe and keep criminals off our streets doesn't end with Christmas. We will continue to take robust action against anyone who believes they are above the law and make them face the consequences of their actions all year round.

"I also want to say a massive thank you to all the officers, staff and volunteers who worked tirelessly over the Christmas period - some who missed spending time with their own families - to keep the people of Cheshire safe."

The data began as Christmas party season began on December 1.

Breakdown of arrests per Local Policing Unit (ranked)

Ninth: Congleton - 120

Eigth: Widnes - 123

Seventh: Ellesmere Port - 128

Sixth: Runcorn - 136

Fifth: Northwich - 145

Fourth: Macclesfield - 191

Third: Crewe - 212

Second; Chester - 285

First: Warrington - 318

The news comes in the same week that the police precept could rise - and claims that 999 call response times have significantly improved.

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