POLICE have arrested nine youngsters aged between 12-17 in Warrington following an operation aiming to tackle robbery and disorder offences involving youths in the town centre.
Launched by Warrington CID, Operation Hunts is designed to tackle robbery and violent disorder incidents amongst young people within the town centre during February and March.
Over the course of the operation, officers identified a number of prolific offenders through the use CCTV footage and engagement with the community and partner agencies.
Following these enquiries, officers arrested eight people aged between 14 and 17 on suspicion of robbery and disorder, with a further 12-year-old being arrested for a separate public order offence. They have all since been released on conditional bail.
Detective Inspector David Schofield, who is overseeing the investigation, said: “The arrests we have made so far are a culmination of hard work and dedication across a number of departments who have had to gather evidence and analyse CCTV footage to find those responsible for the disorder.
“This prompt action so far in this operation demonstrates the commitment of the Local Policing Unit (LPU) in swiftly bringing offenders to justice and minimising risk to the local residents and businesses alike.
“The operation is very much continuing and, as enquiries continue, further arrests will follow.”
Anyone with information regarding any public disorder or robbery within Warrington, including the town centre, should contact Cheshire Constabulary on 101 or give the details via the Cheshire Police website.
Alternatively, information can be reported to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via the Crimestoppers website.
