Seven arrested as part of Cheshire Police's Operation Bigwing

Police raided homes across Winsford and Hartford this morning, seeking to stamp out criminal behaviour in the area.

Along with the arrests, officers discovered around £20,000 worth of cocaine and seized cars, clothes, TVs and more than £500,000 in cash.

The community inspector for Northwich Local Policing Unit, said: “Today’s operation highlighted our zero-tolerance approach to criminality across Northwich and Winsford.

“We understand the impact that criminal activity has on our communities, and over the past year the team here at Northwich LPU have had some fantastic results, seized large quantities of illegal drugs, and removed a number of offenders from the streets of our towns.

“However, there are always improvements to be made and we will always act upon any information or feedback we receive from local residents.

"By working together, we can help to make Winsford and Northwich even safer places to live, work and visit.”

The operation, codenamed Bigwing, kicked off at around 7.30am with officers raiding three properties in Winsford – on Cotswold Way, Beckenham Grove and Westminster Grove respectively.

This follows a five-month investigation by Northwich Proactive CID into an organised crime gang believed to have been operating in the area.

Officers recovered a number of items under the Proceeds of Crime Act, including two Range Rovers, a Volkswagen, several large televisions, scooters, clothing and other high value items.

Approximately £20,000 of cocaine was also discovered at one of the addresses.

Two men, aged 39 and 35, and three women - two aged 39 and one aged 34 - were all arrested on suspicion of money laundering.

They are currently in custody, assisting police with their enquiries.

The detective sergeant, who led this part of the operation, said: “The three warrants this morning in Winsford are the culmination of a detailed investigation into an organised crime gang who we believe have been operating in the local area.

“Our enquiries show that this group has handled hundreds of thousands of pounds in recent years, despite most of them being unemployed, and we believe that this cash has come from criminal activities.

“In addition to the arrests, a large number of items which are believed to have been funded by crime were also seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act, truly demonstrating that crime doesn’t pay.”

Police outside the property on Westminster Grove (Image: Newsquest)

Raids were also carried out at properties on Beaufort Close in Hartford and Rilshaw Lane in Winsford.

In Hartford, officers arrested a 28-year-old man on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class B drugs.

Meanwhile, at Rilshaw Lane, a 75-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of concealing criminal property as police recovered more than £500,000 in cash.

Officers gather at Cheshire Police HQ (Image: Newsquest)

Elsewhere, special constables and passive drugs dogs were deployed to train stations in Northwich and Winsford, checking for anyone suspected of using the network to transport illegal drugs into the area.

Officers from the Roads and Crime Unit were also deployed to several key routes into the area, identifying any offences committed by drivers.

A number of motorists for a variety of offences, including drug driving.

The team also used ANPR technology to identify any vehicles suspected of being involved in the county lines drugs dealing.

Meanwhile, officers from the Hidden Harm Team conducted visits to five premises to check for vulnerable people at risk of exploitation.

As well as targeting offenders, officers from the local Beat teams, supported by special constables, conducted reassurance patrols following the raids in Winsford, engaging with local residents to help to gather further intelligence.

A large TV being seized by police at Cotswold Way, Winsford (Image: Newsquest)

The inspector added: “Throughout the day we used a whole host of tactics to disrupt criminals working in the local area. While Operation Bigwing may now have concluded, it is important to note that we use these regularly as part of our everyday policing tactics.

“We will always ensure the full force of the law is used against those who think they can commit crime in our communities, and I hope today’s operation will reassure the public that we are always striving to stay one step ahead and stamp down on illegal activity.”

Officers search a Range Rover outside the property on Beckenham Grove (Image: Newsquest)

Anyone with information about illegal drug activity or any other criminal activity taking place in Winsford or Northwich is urged to report it to Cheshire Police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.