OFFICERS in Warrington have been given more powers to stop and search anyone they suspect of carrying a weapon following reports of suspicious activity in the Whittle Hall area of the town.
It follows concerns raised by the local community after reports of suspicious activity taking place in the town. The powers have been granted temporarily under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act (1994).
The order means that officers can stop and search any person or vehicle they believe may be carrying weapons or causing serious violence in a particular area, whether or not they have any grounds of suspicion.
The powers will be in place from 3.53pm today, Thursday 15 June, and will remain in force until 3.53pm on Friday 16 June. It applies to the Whittle Hall area of Warrington, displayed on the highlighted mapped area.
Chief Inspector Robert McLoughlin said: “I want to reassure the public that this is just one of the ways in which we are using all the powers available to us to locate those responsible.
“Along with the order, there will be an additional police presence across the town and anyone believed to be causing disruption in the community will be targeted.
“With this in mind, anyone who has any concerns, please approach an officer and they will do their best to assist.”
Anyone who has any information about someone carrying a weapon is urged to contact police on 101, CLICK HERE TO REPORT ONLINE or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
