POLICE have confirmed that more than 250 people were arrested in Runcorn and Widnes during a Christmas crackdown on crime.

Officers arrested a total of 1,862 people across Cheshire as part of an operation to keep people safe throughout the festive period.

Among these were 137 people arrested in Runcorn during the month of December as part of Operation Jingles, as well as 126 in Widnes.

Officers targeted perpetrators of anti-social behaviour, violence against women and girls, domestic abuse and drink and drug driving – with a particular focus on night-time economy hot spot areas.

High-visibility patrols were carried out across the county, with officers working closely with partner agency staff to make sure law-abiding people could enjoy their Christmas safely.

Officers were also out stopping drivers as part of a crackdown on drink and drug driving, and as a result, 237 people were arrested for drink or drug driving offences across the county.

Safe space safety buses were stationed across the county, providing valuable support to those who felt vulnerable or needed assistance.

Chief constable Mark Roberts said: “The festive period is always a busy one for policing, but in Cheshire we have been on the front foot, chasing down criminals and being visible in public spaces so that people could enjoy themselves in a safe environment.

“Again, we have targeted irresponsible people who drove drunk or impaired on drugs – with 237 people starting the new year looking forward to prosecution and a ban.

“Despite a high volume of calls, we got to most emergencies in eight minutes against a 15-minute target, which makes a big difference when people need us.

“Our approach is always to be proactive and make Cheshire a hostile place for criminals, even on Christmas Day.

“I called into Northwich to wish staff a happy Christmas, but most of them were out putting a drug dealer’s door in, which was typical of the relentless approach I want.

“While in Warrington on New Year’s Eve, officers were intervening at the first hint of trouble to stop it escalating.

“The majority of the public in Cheshire are really supportive of us, which we appreciate, but we still had 39 assaults on officers – which is utterly unacceptable, and we will always prosecute such individuals to the full extent of the law.”