Tim Roca has welcomed a policing blitz to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour this summer.

Macclesfield has been named in the Home Secretary's Safer Streets initiative.

Shoppers and businesses will see increased police presence along with stronger prevention and enforcement action throughout the summer.

Mr Roca, MP for Macclesfield, said: "The Conservatives left neighbourhood policing hollowed out, whilst crimes like shoplifting and street theft were spiralling out of control. That was their legacy on law and order, and communities like ours paid the price.

"I have been working and campaigning locally to tackle the blight of antisocial behaviour, so I'm pleased to see that Macclesfield will benefit from these new plans.

"This all comes as part of Labour's commitment to putting 13,000 new neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs back on the beat – something which is desperately needed to tackle crime in our area.

"I will keep fighting to tackle anti-social behaviour in all parts of Macclesfield and working with anyone and everyone to find a solution."

Tim Roca with Cheshire PCC Dan Price earlier this year (Credit: Tim Roca)

Across the country, street crime has surged in recent years, with theft more than doubling between December 2022 and 2024.

Commissioned by the Home Secretary, Police and Crime Commissioners across England and Wales have developed bespoke local action plans with police, businesses and local councils to crackdown on crime this summer. 

These plans include increased visible town centre policing and ramping up the use of targeted enforcement powers against troublemakers – including banning perpetrators from hotspots. 

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: "High streets and town centres are the very heart of our communities.

"Residents and businesses have the right to feel safe in their towns.

"But the last government left a surge in shop theft, street crime and anti-social behaviour which has left too many town centres feeling abandoned.

"It's time to turn this round, that's why I have called on police forces and councils alike to work together to deliver a summer blitz on town centre crime to send a clear message to those people who bring misery to our towns that their crimes will no longer go unpunished."