POLICE have launched an operation to crack down on cross-border crime between St Helens and Warrington.

The initiative has seen officers from Cheshire Police Rural Crime Team working with Merseyside Police to patrol areas between the two towns, including Burtonwood, Winwick, Croft and Culcheth.

The focus has been on targeting rural crime in response to a recent spate in thefts of trailers, quadbikes and caravans.

Officers have also been targeting wildlife crime as a result of reports of poaching and possible hare coursing on land, as well as stopping waste carriers and checking their waste permits.

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A spokesman for the Rural Crime Team said: “It has been a great opportunity to speak to the local community in these areas and to discuss any issues and concerns they may have.

“By working together, and acting on local knowledge and insight, we can utilise the unique skills we have as a team, such as specialist equipment, knowledge and resources.

“It further demonstrates our commitment to work with other units and forces, to tackle rural crime wherever it occurs.

“It sends a clear message that while criminals do not have borders, neither do we.”