A MAJOR police operation targeting alcohol-related crime in Warrington town centre resulted in almost 140 arrests and a substantial number of potential troublemakers being ordered to leave the area.
Operation Vicinity, which ran throughout October, involved officers from Warrington Town Centre Neighbourhood Policing Unit – supported by officers from the Targeted Patrol Team (TPT) and the Special Constabulary.
Officers carried out high-visibility patrols in key areas of the town centre by day and night.
More than 300 people were dealt with, including almost 140 being arrested – 127 of them at night.
The majority of the arrests related to alcohol related crime and disorder but 20 of the night arrests were for drugs offences.
A passive drugs dog was used on a number of occasions during the night-time operation and some arrests were as a result of that.
Numerous seizures of alcohol also took place – 77 of them during the daytime.
About 150 Section 27 “Direction to Leave” notices were issued giving officers the power to move potential troublemakers away from a given area for a set period of time.
Police officers can issue an individual aged 10 or over with a direction to leave a particular area for a period of up to 48 hours if they feel there is a chance of alcohol-related crime or disorder taking place.
Inspector Neil Drum said: “We are committed to tackling the issues that have a negative effect on the town and this latest operation has been a great success.”
A number of multi-agency visits were also carried out at licensed premises in the town centre, involving officials from the borough council and the Gambling Commission.
Almost 20 premises were also visited as part of a test purchasing operation for underage sales of alcohol. Six premises failed this operation and members of staff were issued with fixed penalty notices.
Inspector Drum added: “We will continue to target those who are involved in alcohol related crime and disorder in the area and will take positive action where necessary.
“Irresponsible behaviour in Warrington town centre is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.”
