Action to stop drug drops and escapes at Thorn Cross prison

HMP Thorn Cross has seen five prisoners abscond over recent weeks, while politicians in the town have highlighted how attempts to smuggle drugs are making life for residents a misery.

Local councillors and the area’s MP say they have held meetings with prison governors to address the concerns of residents and see what can be done.

In response, they have been told that security has been stepped up and that action is being taken to bring those responsible to justice.

Addressing the concerns, Warrington South MP Andy Carter said: “This simply is not acceptable, and we need to see a concerted effort from both Cheshire Police and HMPS to tackle these illegal drugs drops into the prison estate.

“It is a criminal matter causing misery and worry for people living nearby, and there are measures which can and must be taken to catch the people doing this.

“I have written to the Justice Secretary who has overall responsibility for prisons to ask for his commitment to addressing this issue and have spoken to the governor at Thorn Cross”.

Speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside, he also said he is working closely with the prison to introduce additional security measures to stop the dropping-off of packages.

He said: “I spoke to superintendent Meegan who told me that three of the five people that have absconded have been recaptured and returned to closed prisons.

“They are also working with local residents to increase the amount of patrols in the area, and to work with the prison to put in place additional measures to try and stop the dropping-off of packages in neighbouring areas.”

Concerns about security at HMP Thorn Cross have also bee highlighted by Ryan Bate, councillor for Grappenhall and Appleton Thorn.

Cllr Ryan Bate outside HMP Thorn Cross in Appleton Thorn

He said: “We have met with the prison deputy governor on several occasions in the past week or so, and we are assured that the spike in security incidents is largely to do with the additional security regarding the Covid lockdown and the prison essentially operating as a closed prison for the past 12 months.

“Security has increased, so there are extra searches for those illicit materials, and they are being much more mindful of their perimeter.

“But there is still more to do, and I will continue to meet with the governor to make sure the security is as tight as it can be to make sure that residents are kept safe and well.

“The first thing residents should do if there are concerns is contact the prison itself and they will then investigate and notify the police as required.

“Obviously, if you feel things aren’t being dealt with, please do get in touch with myself or Appleton Parish Council and we will do everything we can, as it is very important that we keep people safe and well.”

After being approached for comment on the concerns raised, a Prison Service spokesman said: “Absconds have almost halved over the last 10 years, and those who do face tough consequences, including being returned to closed prison conditions where they may serve additional time.

“HMP Thorn Cross is working with local police to recapture these offenders and is reviewing internal processes.”

On drug drops, the spokesman added: “We are working closely with the local police force to tackle this issue.”