Busy start to the New Year

IT was a busy start to the New Year for police at Warrington.
A team of officers, led by Chief Inspector Peter Shaw, was on duty throughout the night and 20 arrests were reported in the town centre – most for alcohol and public order related offences.
But overall, the majority of people celebrated the arrival of 2016 in a good natured but responsible manner.
There were spectacular firework displays throughout the town as families celebrated the New Year.
Police have issued a warning to people who were drinking last night to think twice before driving this morning.
Anyone who consumed a large amount of alcohol last night could still be “over the limit” today.
Meanwhile, in the run-up to Christmas, police across Cheshire arrested almost 120 people who had chosen not to turn up at court or had failed to co-operate with police.
It was part of Operation Hatay – the Cheshire Police initiative to target those who have evaded justice.
Those arrested included people wanted for assault, breach of bail, burglary, robbery and harassment.
The operation started on Friday December 18 and ran into Christmas Day with officers working hard alongside continuing demands posed during the busy festive period to trace offenders.
Superintendent Pete Crowcroft, head of Criminal Justice and Custody who led on the operation, said: “Officers across Cheshire have been working extremely hard over the festive period to track down those who believe they can evade justice. A significant number of wanted people were detained during the course of the operation.
“Individuals who try to evade the courts are denying victims their chance to see justice done and this can often leave many of those affected by crime unable to move on with their lives. Each time we carry out this operation we are reminded what a difference it makes to the recovery process for victims and for justice.
“This is the sixth phase of our operation and our efforts will continue in the future. We remain committed in our pursuit of those who believe they are above the law – and ensuring they are held to account for the crimes they have committed.”
Since the first phase of the operation in March 2014 more than 1,000 offenders have been brought in by officers.