Police target dangerous driving after 'illegal street races' across Cheshire

It follows a series of ‘illegal street races’ across Cheshire last year.

More than 100 vehicles were seen driving dangerously, speeding and creating excessive noise in Wilmslow and Northwich.

Police received more than 27 calls about ‘street racing’ from concerned residents as cars gathered on the A34 in Wilmslow and A556 bypass in Rudheath.

A terrified Wilmslow woman, aged 77, told The Guardian: "Hundreds of cars were racing up and down the A34, reviving up and backfiring.

"It is like guns going off in your head, it is frightening."

Police issued tickets to drivers following illegal car meets in December 2021.

This week’s anti social behaviour campaign, organised by community safety specialists Resolve, will see each Local Policing Unit take part in a series of activities to tackle and address ASB.

Officers will talk to school children increase patrols in highlighted ASB hotspot areas.

In Wilmslow, local officers will be working together with West Midlands Police in a joint effort to tackle dangerous driving which has become a growing issue in Macclesfield and across Cheshire.

There will also be visits to local schools by officers to educate children of the dangers of anti-social behaviour and what it can lead to.

Across Cheshire, PCSOs will be working with local businesses and conducting surveys with members of the local community.

Superintendent Gary Smith, the constabulary’s lead for Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness week, said: “ASB brings misery to the communities we work day in and out to protect and it’s important that we work together with partners to educate and effectively deal with this behaviour.

An 'illegal street race' on the A538 in Wilmslow

“It’s important for us to hear from those who may be affected by ASB, so that we can appropriately deter and disrupt this behaviour while signposting where to seek the best possible support.

“ASB can include things such as graffiti, littering and off-road motorcycles within the community and these disruptive activities create an environment where more serious crime can take place.

“Some of this behaviour may not seem all that serious to many people, but we know first hand the detrimental impact it has to neighbourhoods, and I hope this week will show how we are all working together drive down the levels of ASB.

“I would like to continue to urge anyone who feels that they are or have been a victim of ASB to get in touch with Cheshire Police.”

John Dwyer, Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I am delighted to hear about the fantastic work taking place across Cheshire Police for Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week.

“Anti-social behaviour can have a devastating effect on communities, impacting individuals, families and businesses.

“Preventing and tackling crime is key to achieving the Police and Crime Plan, and I am committed to tackling this type of crime by working closely with the Constabulary and supporting communities affected by ASB.

“I have recently set up my new ‘Community Cash Back’ fund, which sees money taken from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act invested back into the area through the Local Policing Unit with residents voting on how the money is spent.

“Building strong relationships between communities and the police is key to tackling this type of crime and I am determined for us all to work together to make Cheshire an even safer place to live, work and visit.”

To report incidents call 101 or visit cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/asb/asb/report-antisocial-behaviour/