The police were in the crowded commercial areas of the county

Police have arrested 18 suspects as part of a major Cheshire-wide crackdown on shoplifting. The force deployed undercover officers to locations including Chester, Macclesfield, Congleton, Ellesmere Port, Crewe, Warrington and Widnes during the operation.

Senior Cheshire Police officers now say efforts are underway to “better protect commercial properties”. The arrests came as police supported their national Safer Business Week.

Between 14 October and 20 October, the force sent plainclothes local police units into city centers and shopping centres. The crackdown resulted in 18 arrests for various shoplifting, search and disorderly conduct offences.

Inspector Scott Fletcher, from Cheshire Police, said: “It was great to see LPUs out and about making arrests, giving crime prevention advice and interacting with the public – all in the name of Safer Business Week. This week has also highlighted some great results which have been a direct result of the hard work our officers put in when it comes to tackling shoplifting and bringing the county’s most prolific criminals to justice.

“By forming close links and working with local businesses and traders and our own partner organisations, we can better protect commercial properties, protect their staff and customers and prevent any future breaches.”