This summer, a coordinated programme of policing operations took place across Cheshire in a bid to tackle criminality.

Running from 30 June to 30 September, Chester Police took part in 'The Safer Streets Summer initiative', which included patrols, community engagement and youth prevention activities.

Over the course of the summer, the force rolled out the 'Cops on the Square' initiative across the county, providing visible policing and giving the public an opportunity to engage with officers.

DNA Tagging Spray was also used at football matches across Cheshire.

This specialised spray, only viewable by UV lighting, is now being used by officers as a tool to deter those participating in any anti-social behaviour or disorder before, during and after games.

Nearly 210 independent, supermarket chain and licensed premise staff from Warrington, Chester, and Macclesfield were also surveyed, with all three areas overwhelmingly agreeing that their towns are a safe place to work.

The eastern area of the county scored the highest, with 96% of those surveyed agreeing, with Chester scoring 73%.

A further 80% of those surveyed in Chester felt confident that if they were to report a crime, Cheshire Police would take it seriously and act upon it promptly.

"Safer Streets shows what can happen when we all work together for the same goal - safer, stronger communities," said Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Dan Price.

"By combining visible policing with real community engagement, we've not only tackled crime but built trust and pride in our neighbourhoods."

The Police and Crime Commissioner also launched his SWAP Summer Support Fund for youth activities.

This seeks to engage young people, with 29 projects across the county benefitting from their share of a £50,000 funding pot.

Assistant Chief Constable for Neighbourhood Policing Alison Ross said: "This is just a snapshot of some of the neighbourhood-based police work that our officers did throughout the summer to support the national initiative.

"By working together with our partners, we are able to go further in tackling the issues that matter most to our communities and ensure Cheshire remains a safe place for everyone who lives, works, and visits here.

"We have a real focus on neighbourhood policing in Cheshire and this will now continue as we move into the Autumn and Winter months.

"365 days a year, we are rolling out operational activities across the county to tackle retail crime, street robbery, modern day slavery, immigration crime and anti-social behaviour, issues we recognise sit at the heart of our town centres and local communities."

The Safer Streets Summer initiative was supported by Cheshire Constabulary and the PCC as part of the wider national Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee.