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.”