Congleton Local Policing Unit officially launches

Congleton Local Policing Unit officially launched on 1st November at the town’s police station in Market Square.

Cheshire Constabulary’s commitment to local policing has seen the force continually review how it best serves the towns of villages across the county, and as part of this, it is introducing the local policing unit.

On Monday, Cheshire Constabulary’s Chief Constable, Mark Roberts, and Cheshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, John Dwyer, met officers and staff who will be part of the local unit to support them in their roles.

Chief Constable Mark Roberts said: “Local policing is at the forefront of the Constabulary’s method of policing and we are continually evolving to meet the demands of our communities and understand the needs of each town and village. We never sit still and think ‘that’ll do’, we think, ‘how can we do this better?’ - That means making changes along the way, whether that’s the introduction of new technology or adjusting to meet demand effectively and robustly.

“We hope that you will see more officers on the beat, more operations to fight crime and disrupt criminals, and most importantly, a policing unit that listens to your policing needs to help make your communities even better places to live and work.”

Dedicated police officers and staff will be based at Congleton and Sandbach police stations serving, Congleton, Holmes Chapel, Dane Valley, Middlewich, Sandbach, Alsager, Odd Rode, Brereton and their surrounding villages.

The decision was made after careful research into effective policing of these areas and the requirements of residents and businesses.

Chief Inspector Claire Jesson will head up the Local policing Unit. She said: “I am really excited and honoured to be the LPU commander at Congleton.

“I joined the police 20 years ago and started my career at Congleton so I know what a fantastic community it is.

“My key priorities will be around violence and intimidation against women and girls, with a focus on domestic abuse, making sure our patrols are visible and there for the community when they need us and taking a robust stance on all criminality to make our area a hostile environment for criminals.

“I’m looking forward to getting out and meeting all of our partners, key community contacts and working together to listen to what you as a community expect from me.”

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire John Dwyer, said: “I hear from communities across the county, that some don’t see a police presence. With the introduction of the Congleton LPU today, it demonstrates the Constabulary are listening to residents’ concerns and are doing all they can to provide that visible presence to our communities.”

You can meet your local LPU at local surgeries, which will be advertised online, via Facebook and Twitter, via local newspapers, and posters in local shops and libraries.

If you need to speak an officer you can go to Congleton police station Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. Contact them via the online reporting page here (https://www.cheshire.police.uk/)

Pictured - From left to right: Chief Inspector Claire Jesson, Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer, Chief Constable Mark Roberts, Superintendent Peter Crowcroft.