Mounted police were out in Chester yesterday (December 10), as officers conducted a high visibility operation in the city centre.

Officers were out engaging with residents, businesses and visitors, alongside conducting foot patrols around key areas of the city centre.

Mounted patrols attracted considerable attention from passers-by, with two Greater Manchester Police horses carrying out patrols in the city.

Project Servator deployments took place during the operation. This involves uniformed and plain-clothes officers who are specially trained to spot the tell-tale signs that someone is planning or preparing to commit an act of crime.

"Many people stopped to ask what we were doing, and we had lots of positive feedback – especially about the two police horses who drew quite the crowd," said Inspector James Wilson, of Chester Local Policing Unit.

"We hope the policing presence serves as a reminder of the various tactics we use to support members of the public and disrupt criminal activity in the area every day. 

"We are continuing operations like this in Chester throughout December while footfall is busy, but we'd like to remind everyone to look out for each other and report anything which doesn't feel right to police and security staff – you are our extra eyes and ears on the ground. 

Police dogs were also training at various venues, practicing sniffing out digital evidence.

Whilst the Roads and Crime Unit carried out drink and drug driving checks, the Underwater Search Team proactively searched areas of the canal, with overt armed patrols also utilised.

The Safety Bus was on hand, with officers engaging with the public to give out crime prevention advice. Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service also attended to provide safety advice.

Inspector James Wilson added: "If you have any information about criminal activity in your community, please contact Cheshire Police online or call 101. In an emergency, always call 999."