Policing of Nantwich Jazz Festival a “success” after just seven arrests

Police chiefs have hailed this years’ Nantwich Jazz Festival a success after just seven arrests made during the five-day event.

The number of arrests is a drop on previous years, which Cheshire Police say is down to planning, CCTV, and working with licensees.

Among those detained was an 18-year-old man from Whitchurch, arrested for common assault following a disturbance on Beam Street on Saturday night.

A 40-year-old man from Stoke-on-Trent was arrested on Pillory Street for being drunk and disorderly on the same night.

And on Sunday, a 41-year-old Nantwich man was arrested for failing to comply with warnings issued under a “direction to leave the area” section 27 notice.

Chief Inspector Sarah Edgar, who had overall responsibility for policing the event, said: “Our officers and PCSOs offered a highly visible policing presence around the town centre of Nantwich over the course of the weekend.

“In doing so, we have provided a deterrent to would-be troublemakers, and were on hand to deal swiftly with any emerging pockets of disorder.

“With the support of local licencees, and town centre CCTV, our ability to intercept situations before they escalate into criminal acts or violence cannot be underestimated, and has clearly proved to be an effective tool in our policing armoury.

“Happily, the overall majority of visitors to Nantwich over the Easter weekend were in good spirits, enjoyed all the event has to offer, and many welcomed and commented upon the effective policing presence in the town.”

Insp Dave Smithers, head of the Nantwich Neighbourhood Policing Unit, echoed the approach.

“Historically, the Nantwich JazzFest has passed without serious incident, and with a great deal of support from the local community.

“The purpose of the police at events such as this is to ensure that festival goers enjoy the event in a safe environment, and the local community of Nantwich can continue to go about their daily lives unhindered with the arrival of thousands of visitors to our town, often from far afield.

“The impact of this significant increase in visitors is managed by providing a visible and proportionate local policing presence, particularly to deal with the increase in alcohol-related incidents and traffic issues brought about by the festival and the warmer weather we experienced this weekend.”

Police swoop on drug users and thieves in day of action in Nantwich

Police targeted thieves and drug users in a day of action across Nantwich and other towns in East Cheshire.

Five warrants were issued under the Misuse of Drugs Act at various properties in Nantwich, Crewe, Congleton, Macclesfield and Wilmslow.

Teams of officers carried out early morning raids yesterday (April 10) and made arrests for offences including possession with intent to supply controlled drugs, and theft.

In Nantwich, officers focused on snaring and deterring bike thieves, while plain clothes officers tracked down shed burglars.

Inspector Dave Smithers, of Nantwich Police, said: “We have had an increase in calls from the public reporting shed doors are forced or locks broken, but it is often the case homeowners have failed to take the necessary precautions to protect their own property.

“Thieves seize the chance to steal gardening equipment and tools, but predominantly we see that high value bicycles are being stolen, modified and then sold on.”

Officers and PCSOs focused on the outskirts of town and around the canal system, where a majority of these crimes have been reported.

Sgt Ian Bennett added: “The crimes reported are all very similar in method and occur in the same area – and we believe the same person − or persons − may be responsible.

“We have gathered a significant amount of intelligence in relation to the persistent problem of shed burglaries.

“I urge local residents to report anyone behaving suspiciously − and to take on board basic crime prevention techniques by keeping your shed secure and installing lighting where necessary.”

In Crewe, officers executed drug warrants at house on Seagull Close.

A man, 25, and woman, 24, were arrested for possession of a class B drug with intent to supply. Drugs with an estimated street value of over £1,500 were seized.

Supt Luke McDonnell, who led the operation, said: “We have co-ordinated this day of action in direct response to the issues that our communities tell us are important to them.

“This type of enforcement takes place every day in our towns and villages − the difference is that the policing activity is more visible and we encourage members of our community to engage with officers who are out and about to discuss any issues that impact their quality of life.”

Source; http://nantwich-news.co.uk