Merseyside Police, in partnership with the Police and Crime Commissioner, has concluded the summer phase of its Safer Streets campaign, reporting significant results in tackling antisocial behaviour, illegal scrambler bikes, and retail crime across the region. The initiative involved a series of targeted operations and increased community engagement throughout the summer months.
Key Takeaways
- Illegal Bike Seizures: A total of 789 illegal bikes have been seized so far this year, with 163 removed from the streets in August alone under Operation Gears.
- Increased Intelligence: Public reporting on illegal bike activity saw a 450% increase, directly leading to arrests and seizures.
- Violence Against Women: Operation Topaz resulted in the arrest of 19 suspects for offences including domestic abuse and harassment.
- Youth Engagement: The Police and Crime Commissioner invested £100,000 in diversionary activities for young people over the summer holidays to prevent crime.
Targeting Antisocial Behaviour and Illegal Bikes
A primary focus of the summer campaign was addressing antisocial behaviour (ASB), a key concern for many residents. Merseyside Police increased patrols in known hotspot areas to deter offending and provide a visible presence.
One of the most notable successes came from Operation Gears, the force's dedicated effort to combat the dangerous and illegal use of scrambler bikes. This operation has been highly effective in removing these vehicles from public spaces.
Operation Gears Statistics
In August alone, officers seized 163 illegal two-wheeled bikes. This brings the total number of bikes seized in 2024 to 789. The force also noted a 450% increase in intelligence reports from the public, which has been crucial for successful interventions.
Local Policing Superintendent Sarah Rotherham highlighted the impact of this public support. "Increased patrols in hotspot areas have continued to deliver positive results for residents," she said. "The successful launch of Op Gears... resulted in the seizure of 163 illegal two-wheeled bikes in August alone."
In addition to the force-wide bike operation, local initiatives like Operation Zinc in Knowsley used a combination of high-visibility and plain-clothes officers to tackle ASB directly.
Enhancing Safety in Town Centres and Businesses
The campaign also placed a strong emphasis on improving safety within the region's town centres, particularly focusing on the night-time economy and retail crime.
In St Helens, partnership campaigns such as ‘Safe Nights, Great Places’ and the Pubwatch scheme have been instrumental in creating a safer environment for evening visitors. These efforts contributed to the town securing a prestigious Purple Flag accreditation, which recognises excellence in managing town centres at night.
Tackling Retail Crime
To protect local businesses, police have taken firm action against prolific offenders. Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) have been issued to persistent shoplifters, and numerous arrests have been made in connection with burglary and robbery offences.
The Shopwatch initiative has strengthened communication between retailers and the police. According to the force, this improved collaboration led to over one hundred additional reports of theft in its first month of implementation, allowing for a more effective response to retail crime.
Protecting Vulnerable People and Disrupting Crime
A significant element of the Safer Streets campaign was the ongoing work to end Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). Operation Topaz, the dedicated initiative for this purpose, saw the arrest of 19 suspects over the summer for crimes including domestic abuse and harassment.
The 'Ask for Angela' Initiative
The campaign continued to promote the 'Ask for Angela' scheme, which allows individuals who feel unsafe on a date or in a social situation to get help discreetly. More staff at licensed premises across Merseyside have received training to recognise the code word and provide immediate assistance.
Police also targeted drug-related crime to make communities safer. Officers made multiple arrests for the possession and intent to supply class A and B drugs. In some cases, police dogs were deployed during search warrants to help disrupt organised drug networks.
"We’ve made multiple arrests for the possession and intent to supply class A and B drugs. Police dogs were also deployed successfully on search warrants to disrupt drug networks – all aimed at safer communities and safer streets." - Sarah Rotherham, Local Policing Superintendent.
Community Engagement and Future Commitments
Throughout the summer, Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell hosted a series of community walkabouts in known crime hotspots. These events gave residents a direct line of communication with the Commissioner, local police teams, and councillors to voice their concerns.
To provide positive alternatives for young people, the Commissioner's Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES) provided £100,000 in funding for a wide range of diversionary activities during the school holidays.
Ms. Spurrell praised the collaborative effort, stating, "The Safer Streets Summer campaign has shown the power of partnership in action. From tackling antisocial behaviour and retail crime to removing dangerous, illegal bikes off our roads and protecting women and girls, our communities have seen real, visible results."
She emphasised that the commitment to public safety is a year-round priority.
"Our commitment to safety doesn’t end with the summer. We work year-round to make our streets safer, our town centres more welcoming, and our neighbourhoods stronger... Together, we’re building safer, more resilient communities across Merseyside." - Emily Spurrell, Police and Crime Commissioner.
While the summer phase has concluded, Merseyside Police has confirmed that its focus on local town centres and community engagement will continue as part of its Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee.