Cheshire Constabulary and North Wales Police joined forces on Thursday 28 November.

During an operation targeting criminality across the two areas, officers in Chester and Flintshire took part in operation liberator.

The scheme was launched with the aim of targeting serious and organised crime across the border between the two counties.

The operation allowed partners from several organisations to work together to tackle and disrupt criminality, while providing a reassuring presence for the public and business owners.

During the day, passive drugs dogs were deployed in the city centre and the train station, and there was a a search of the canal for any illegal items by the North West Underwater Search Unit.

Taxi licensing was carried out in partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council, involving stop checks of taxis to ensure they were complying with regulations.

There was also licensing visits, in partnership with Cheshire Fire and Rescue service, to check premises were compliant with licensing conditions and fire regulations.

Over the course of the day, between the two police forces, there was a total of 12 arrests, 22 stop searches, more than 60 vehicles stopped, and a significant seizure of illegal cigarettes and vapes.

There was also a total of five immigration arrests, five vehicle seizures and six traffic offence reports.

Inspector James Wilson, of Chester local policing unit, said: "The operation was a great success with multiple arrests, stop searches and seizures.

"Throughout the day we used a whole host of tactics to disrupt criminal activity in Chester, but it is important to note that we use these regularly as part of our everyday policing tactics."

Inspector Wes Williams, of North Wales Police, said: "Operation liberator is an operation launched to tackle serious and organised crime across North Wales and Cheshire, where we're working with partners, such as immigration, trading standards, and licensing.

"The day was about reassuring the public that we are out there, we're available, and we'll continue to run these operations on a regular basis to ensure we're supporting our communities."

Inspector Wilson also added: "Going forwards, these regular operations will be an excellent opportunity to highlight that we work closely with our cross-border colleagues in North Wales, as well as our partners here in Cheshire.

"As demonstrated, we are committed to doing all we can to tackle criminal behaviour head-on and ensure the Cheshire/North Wales border remains a hostile place for criminals."