Policing Priorities For Macclesfield

Policing priorities for Cheshire and Macclesfield were a key point of discussion when Macclesfield MP, David Rutley, recently met with Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), John Dwyer, and local police officers at the Poynton Emergency Services Hub.

The meeting provided the opportunity for Mr Dywer to discuss the increase in police resources, with 322 new police officers in post since 2019, which has been vital in enabling the force to take forward their priorities, such as its community policing model. With 122 policing communities being established across Cheshire, each is assigned its own dedicated police resource.

Mr Dwyer also updated David on the work the police have been doing in relation to Barnaby Park in Poynton. A number of residents contacted David with their concerns about the levels of anti-social behaviour taking place overnight. The police have been working with Cheshire East Council to install locked gates overnight, and Mr Dwyer and his team are looking to find a way to secure the site well into the future.

Action taken to combat county-lines drug-related crimes was also an important topic discussed, with officers highlighting a recent operation at Macclesfield train station and other transport hubs. During this operation, 26 stop and searches were carried out and three arrests made. Officers explained they have carried out 8 major operations since January and are committed to supporting the victims of county-lines gangs.

David was pleased to hear that violence against women and girls remains a top priority for Mr Dwyer and his team and that funding the Home Office has provided to the PCC has been spent on key projects, such as supporting victims of domestic abuse.

Mr Dwyer also explained the great work the rural policing team has been doing to develop partnership working with neighbouring local authorities and police forces to gather information on organised crime groups targeting high level rural fly-tipping.

Speaking after the meeting, David said, “It is good to be working in partnership with the Police and Crime Commissioner to take forward local policing priorities and to discuss the important work police officers are doing to crack down on crime. I have seen first-hand on a number of occasions the excellent service our police officers provide. Like many local residents, I am very grateful for their dedicated work in our communities.”