Police round-up of missing offenders

POLICE across Cheshire have been cleaning up the county’s streets, and filling up custody suites during two phases of Operation Hatay.
The operation saw officers targeting offenders who had failed to appear in court, were wanted on warrant or who were named suspects in criminal investigations, re-enforcing the message that no-one can evade justice.
The first phase of the operation ran in June and saw a staggering 179 people arrested. The second phase ran in September and saw 173 arrests.
Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer (pictured) said: “This operation sends a clear message to offenders that they’ve got nowhere to hide.
“The hard work and determination by all of those involved has resulted in 352 arrests. This figure includes the arrests of a number of people in relation to an investigation into the theft of an 18th Century piece of art stolen from Chester Cathedral. I hope that as a result of these arrests, positive action is taken against all of those who are proven to have done wrong.
“I want to congratulate the Constabulary on a job well done, and thank them for continuing to make Cheshire a safe place to live and work.”
Police have also sent letters to the families and associates of wanted offenders, reminding them that harbouring fugitives is an offence and urging them to co-operate in bringing people to justice.
Mr Dwyer added: “As a result of these letters a number of wanted people voluntarily handed themselves in as they realised their card was marked. This clearly shows that the Constabulary will not rest until they get offenders off the streets.”