Latest news with #ZoeBowden
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Yahoo
A whiff of suspicion leads to 700 cannabis plants in old bank building
Enterprising criminals have cashed in on the closure of a town centre bank. They took over the premises and converted it into a cannabis factory. Police were tipped off abour suspicious activity at a former bank on Chestergate, Macclesfield. A caller reported witnessing men entering the disused building, along with a strong smell of cannabis in the area. Officers discovered about 700 cannabis plants, all at varying stages of growth, along with heat lighting, fans, irrigation systems, which were spread over three floors. READ MORE: Police put ENTIRE Greater Manchester borough under immediate 24-hour order after tip-off READ MORE: Met Office latest for Greater Manchester as parts of UK set for thunderstorms A 43-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the production of a class B drug. He remains in police custody at this time. Chief Inspectoe Zoe Bowden, Head of Macclesfield Local Policing Unit, said: 'This is another great result which demonstrates the value of intelligence from the public. As a result of the information provided, not only have we removed a significant quantity of cannabis the streets of Macclesfield, but we've also arrested a man for producing illegal drugs. 'The supply and use of illegal drugs has an incredibly negative impact on the community, and our fight against this type of behaviour is never over. We will continue to do all we can to put a stop to this activity. 'I urge anyone with any information about suspected drug related activity in their community to get in touch. You will be listened to, and we will investigate the matter.'
BBC News
18-03-2025
- BBC News
Alderley Edge: Five arrests in crackdown on illegal car meets
Five people have been arrested and several vehicles seized after a police crackdown on "wannabe racers" at an illegal sports car meet. Cheshire Police put a dispersal order in place on London Road in Alderley Edge at the weekend to curb a planned gathering of motorists that falsely claimed to have the force's backing. Officers arrested five people on suspicion of drug and dangerous driving offences, issued 59 warnings about antisocial behaviour and causing distress and seized three Insp Zoe Bowden said she hoped the action would "deter any future wannabe racers who think they can abuse the rules of the road and get away without any repercussions". The dispersal order was enforced after the event was heavily advertised on local social media channels that wrongly claimed it had the blessing of police, a force spokesman said. Officers received reports of illegally-customised cars driving in "an anti-social manner, racing and speeding well in excess of the 20mph speed limit for the road", he added. 'Showing off' More than 160 stop checks were later carried out with 23 traffic offences Insp Bowden said there were a "significant number of drivers and spectators flocking to the area" despite the dispersal said: "Some of those showing off their cars in front of crowds of people can be tempted to put their foot down."And that's when it becomes dangerous, not just for the pedestrians watching the spectacle but for innocent motorists who are also legally using the roads."Earlier, a Cheshire-based car meet group sought to distance itself from rule-breakers by stressing its events are organised in conjunction with police. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Yahoo
Warning to drivers in Alderley Edge as police say 'we will take action'
A dispersal order is in force this weekend in Alderley Edge as police look to crack down on anti-social drivers causing a nuisance. Cheshire Police said the order, which gives officers the power to force people to leave an area if they are engaging in anti-social behaviour, will remain in place until 10pm tomorrow (Sunday). It comes as an organised 'drive day' takes place in Alderley Edge today (Saturday). The TurboTribe group posted on social media ahead of the event to say its organisers are in communication with police to 'make sure the event is safe and fun for everyone'. It is not suggested the event is illegal. Police insist the dispersal order is 'not aimed at people meeting in their cars peacefully'. TurboTribe organisers posted on Instagram: "A dispersal order is in place in Alderley Edge. This is does not entirely effect [sic] our event, the police will be present and have powers to disperse individuals with anti-social behaviour, this includes - excessive revving by individuals - excessive revving by group of cars. "This does not include - photographers by roadside - visitors of event - driving in convoys safely. The police are focused on racing down the A34 which is not part of our event, however individuals racing could be observed by the police so please be aware of your driving." The dispersal order runs through the village from the A34 roundabout to the north, down London Road through the heart of Alderley Edge, and past the junction with Macclesfield Road to the south. It also covers side streets off London Road and parts of Alderley Road, Chorley Hall Lane, Congleton Road, Macclesfield Road, Ryleys Lane and the A34. Cheshire Police said it has issued the order following multiple reports of offences being committed on the A34 over the last few weeks, as well as several social media messages about a car meet planned in the area this weekend. Chief Inspector Zoe Bowden, head of Macclesfield Local Policing Unit, said: "I understand the frustration and anger that illegal car meets cause, and I hope that this dispersal order will provide reassurance to local residents by demonstrating that we are taking action. This is an ongoing problem in the local area, and I want to reassure residents that we are committed doing all we can to tackle the issue. "We have a zero-tolerance approach to those who break the law, and I want to make it clear that action will be taken against anyone who breaches the dispersal order this weekend. "This could include vehicle seizures, penalty notices, notifying insurance companies, or arrest and prosecution where necessary." The dispersal order came into force at 10am today and runs until 10pm on Sunday, March 16. Cheshire Police said previous car meets in the Wilmslow and Alderley Edge area have attracted hundreds of people on occasions, including people in high powered motor vehicles driving dangerously. The force said drivers often also cause excessive noise and anti-social behaviour during such events, all of which have caused alarm and distress to residents. Chf Insp Bowden added: "This order is not aimed at people meeting in their cars peacefully, simply those disrupting local communities and acting in an anti-social manner. Our message is clear - anti-social behaviour and anti-social use of vehicles will not be tolerated." The force warned that any criminal offences being committed in the area 'will be dealt with robustly both during and post event'.
