POLICE are set to increase patrols around Winsford in an effort to clamp down on anti-social behaviour and shoplifting.

Northwich Policing Unit has identified Leaf Lane play area and Wharton Road in Winsford as an area which has been hit with increased anti-social behaviour and as a result, increased patrols will be introduced.

An increase in shoplifting and ‘public space violence’ has also been highlighted by police as a concern in Winsford.

Insp Dave Snasdell said: “We will continue increased visibility and offer crime reduction advice to local stores as a result of an increase in shoplifting offences across the whole of the local policing area.

“We will also increase patrols in the late evening period to reduce public space violence and incidents within licensed premises.”