CHESHIRE Constabulary has revealed it is working with national forces on the biggest pre-planned police operation ahead of the Olympic Games.

With less than 60 days until the start of the Games, the force has reassured the public that core policing for local communities will still be a priority.

Fifty-one forces in the UK have been working together to resource the 105-day long policing, which begins on June 4 and runs until September 16.

Cheshire Constabulary will support the operation by providing officers to assist for 101 days, with the majority assisting the Metropolitan Police and Dorset Police, which have the largest Games operations.

Their involvement will range from a maximum of about 119 general beat officers to just one on other days, meaning a total of about 232 individual officers from Cheshire Constabulary will contribute to keeping the Games safe and secure.

Officers from Cheshire will be working overtime, having annual leave cancelled, and non-essential training postponed to maximise the number of officers available.

Assistant Chief Constable Janette McCormick, who has overall responsibility for Cheshire Police’s contribution to the Olympics, said: “I want to reassure Cheshire residents and businesses that during this time of unprecedented demand on policing services, we will continue to deliver a robust response to incidents of crime and disorder while providing staff who will play their part in the national policing effort for the Olympics.

“I want to send a clear message to anyone who believes that our response to criminal activity will be diminished that this is not the case and anyone who commits a crime will be dealt with robustly,” she explained.

“We will continue to respond effectively and deal with issues that arise in our communities efficiently. Local people may see fewer officers attending community meetings, going into schools or attending community events, but residents can rest assured that our response will be equal to our response at any other time of the year.”

And she issued a plea to Cheshire residents to take extra care over the next few months.

“I would ask everyone to play their part by taking simple precautions to ensure their homes and property are kept safe,” she said.

“We need to remain vigilant during the celebrations, denying criminals the opportunity to commit crime.”