Chester BID funds Drug Dog Operations

Over the next 12 months, Chester BID has committed to funding multiple Drug Dog Operations across Chester City Centre.

Partnering with Cheshire Police’s local Policing Unit, operations will take place at key times of the year and target problematic hotspots throughout the city.

This work is part of Chester BID’s Enhancing initiative, which focuses on creating a city that is clean, safe, and welcoming for people who shop, visit, and work in Chester.

Carl Critchlow, Chester BID CEO

Previously trialed in 2023, we’re pleased to once again be supporting Cheshire Police in their efforts to ensure Chester remains a safe place for its businesses, residents and visitors. Our members have repeatedly told us that they see a real value in the drug dog operations which help discourage the low-level crime and anti-social behaviour associated with drug-related activity in the city.

Inspector James Wilson, Chester Local Policing Unit

We’re thrilled to be working with Chester BID on this initiative which will be going on throughout the financial year, launching this month. The drugs dogs are a great asset to the policing tactics we use every day to protect people in Chester, allowing us to identify anyone who may be carrying illegal substances and tackle drug-related crime quickly and efficiently. Crime such as this has a real impact on entire communities, including residents, businesses and visitors, so we are grateful to Chester BID for funding the drugs dog operations, showing how we work together with our partners. These operations will occur throughout the year so if you see one taking place, it’s nothing to be worried out, it’s all part of our ongoing efforts to disrupt those intent on committing crime.

He continued saying "I urge anyone who has any concerns in our city – whether that be about anti-social behaviour, drug-related activity, or any other type of crime – to get in touch with us via the Cheshire Police website or by calling 101 and we will do the rest."

Please be reminded to report any issues affecting your business, staff and teams:
•101 or the Cheshire Police Reporting Page for non-emergency issues that need logging. This ensures Police are aware of the issues affecting an area.
•999 in an emergency or where there is a threat.