24/7 Issue 1 by Merseyside Police

24 7

Contacting us Emergency 999 Non-emergency 0151 709 6010 Crimestoppers 0800 555111 Neighbourhood Policing Team 0151 709 6010

www.merseyside.police.uk

This report can be provided in large print, different languages or in Braille. Please contact the Communication and Marketing Team on 0151 709 6010 for further details.

Merseyside Police magazine

Page 02

TURNING YOUNG LIVES AROUND

请拨打电话 0151 709 6010，可提供本文件的中文版。

Русскую версию документа можно запросить по телефону 0151 709 6010

Ten dokument mo na uzyskać w polskiej wersji językowej pod numerem telefon 0151 709 6010

‫یدروک ینامز هب هیهه هیهگڵهب مهئ‬. ‫نۆفهلهت هرامژ‬: Toto je k dispozícii v slovenčine, telefón 0151 709 6010 Toto je dostupné v češtině, telefon 0151 709 6010

Acesta este accesibil în română, telefon 0151 709 6010 ‫تسا هئارا لباق یسراف نابز هب دنس نیا‬. ‫نفلت‬. Tai galima gauti Lietuviškai, telefonas 0151 709 6010 ‫فتاهلا ةيبرعلا ةغللاب اًحاتم اذه نوكي نأ نكمي‬

Constable Robby Pritchard, better known as ‘Robby the Bobby’, welcomes you to the first issue of 24/7

Page 04 On the buses! Page 06 Q&A with CSI Angela Paynter

IN THIS ISSUE Up front

WELCOME TO

Action helps Chris turn his life around ASB Taskforce action Keeping your parks safe this summer ‘It all adds up’ roadshow

24 7

Page 02 ACTION HELPS CHRIS TURN HIS LIFE AROUND

YOUR NEW MERSEYSIDE POLICE MAGAZINE

Working together On the buses! Redeeming our Communities Secured by design

Insight Q&A with CSI Angela Paynter CSI Did You Know...

”

Hi, I’m Constable Robby Pritchard, better known in my area as ‘Robby the Bobby’. I’d like to welcome you to the first issue of 24/7, a new magazine from Merseyside Police.

PAGE 04 ON THE BUSES

’ve been a bobby for 18 years and I love my job. I’m based in Croxteth and Norris Green so, if you see me out and about, don’t forget to come over and say hello. I knew when I joined Merseyside Police that my career would be varied and challenging, but it can still surprise me. I mean, on page 15, we’ve got officers playing Japanese drums to encourage kids away from anti-social behaviour, on page 4 you’ll see how we linked up with ITV’s ‘The Bill’ and, in our Insight feature, you can see what CSIs have in common with Cinderella. Your new Merseyside Police magazine

04 04 04 05

06 06 08

In your neighbourhood On your street 2008/09 Contacting us

Sefton

Liverpool North

Liverpool South

Knowsley

St Helens

Wirral

Centre page pull-out CHIEF CONSTABLE’S ANNUAL REPORT 2008/09

You’ll also see the Chief Constable’s Annual Report which gives you some fascinating facts about what we achieved last year, as well as pages dedicated to what’s going on where you live. Bye for now.

YOUR VOICE COUNTS

CONSTABLE ROBBY PRITCHARD

We want to hear from you about how we can continue to improve. Your Voice Counts is a feedback system that provides you with the opportunity to let us know when we’ve done well or not so well. You’ll find forms in your local police stations or on our website: www.merseyside.police.uk

”

02 03 03 03

Centre page pull-out Chief Constable’s Annual Report 2008/09

In my neighbourhood

PAGE 06 Q&A WITH CSI ANGELA PAYNTER

UP FRONT

”

Life has got better for me over the last few months. I’ve calmed down a lot, I’m good now and I’m a lot quieter than I used to be.

ASB TASKFORCE ACTION The Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Taskforce is a team dedicated to tackling ASB in Merseyside. Their work resulted in 19,342 fewer incidents last year. Their successes included:

”

CHRIS CHALLONER ROCK FERRY HIGH STUDENT

ACTION HELPS CHRIS TURN HIS LIFE AROUND C

hris Challoner from Wirral has really turned his life around during the last year and has gone from getting into trouble to winning awards. Chris’ problems started after his younger brother tragically died in a car accident. “I used to throw eggs at windows, smash bottles and graffiti” says Chris. Chris’ grandad, his school and the police started taking steps to help him. Schools Officer, Constable Jo Herr, began working with Chris last October and got him involved in activities, including visiting police horses, the local fire station, Laser Quest and mountain biking. Through Jo, Chris also got involved in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme. Chris says: “I’ve really enjoyed working towards my award so far. I’ve learnt new skills through drama and for the

physical part of the award I’ve been playing football and badminton. I’m also going to be learning about first aid with Jo.” Chris also really enjoys drama. He says: “I had a great time playing the lead character in a play about knife crime and drugs. The character was called ‘Wee Man’ and he joins a break dance crew and then becomes a zombie!” Chris is now a Bullybuster, which involves giving advice to anyone in school who may be being bullied and handing out advice cards to pupils. Since becoming involved in all these activities, Chris’ behaviour has really improved and he has won several awards including The Governor’s Award and awards for performing arts and for good attendance. Paul Natton, Head of Year Nine says: “Chris is bubbly and enthusiastic and is realising his potential at school.

Your new Merseyside Police magazine

2,313

19,473

fixed penalty notices

young people joined in activities run by partners rather than being on the streets

261 vehicles seized

237 court summons He is learning construction skills for two days a week and is really involved in sports and performing arts. He has volunteered to mentor younger pupils about bullying and is working towards his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s award. Chris is, without doubt, one of Rock Ferry High’s great success stories.”

opportunity to tell the police what affected them in their area. People were encouraged to air their views through the roaming diary room – many of the videos will be featured on the police website. Reporting If you experience ASB in your area, please call Merseyside Police’s general number 0151 709 6010 or to report online, visit www.merseyside.police.uk and follow the online services links.

Chris’ life has changed. After school he wants to learn a trade and become a plasterer. KEEPING YOUR PARKS SAFE THIS SUMMER This summer, the neighbourhood policing team and the Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Taskforce were out and about in parks. This was to help reduce ASB, and to reassure local people, by keeping parks safe and making them places that everyone can enjoy. ‘IT ALL ADDS UP’ ROADSHOW A giant (empty!) beer bottle, a roaming Big Brother-style diary room, free sun

cream and footballs were just some of the items local police used to keep parks safe this summer. This was part of a campaign to engage with young people and their parents/carers to tell them about the variety of activities on offer across Merseyside for young people. Drama, art, football, climbing and painting were just a few of the alternatives available to get young people active and not just hanging around parks. An information pod also travelled around, offering people the

Sometimes it is not always possible to send someone straight away. If this is the case, the operator will let you know when you can expect someone. In an emergency, always dial 999.

WORKING TOGETHER

Karen Harris is one of Merseyside Police’s Travel Community Support Officers who you’ll see on our buses across the county. They work closely with Merseytravel, police teams and bus operators to tackle transport issues such as anti-social behaviour and vandalism on and around local bus routes.

Travel Community Support Officers aren’t police officers and aren’t able to arrest people, but they can immediately make contact with police patrols if they are needed.

”

ON THE BUSES!

Karen believes firmly that what she does makes a real difference to public transport users and the local community.

I’ve seen, first hand, the reduction in anti-social behaviour and damage to buses over recent years. I know the bus drivers and passengers well and they tell me if there are any problems so we can do something about it. It feels like we’re all part of a team, working to make bus travel safer and more enjoyable for passengers. KAREN HARRIS

Don Craven, Regional, Managing Director of New City Vision, said: “It’s great to receive an award, but it’s even more important for us to know that what we do, with Merseyside Police and local residents, makes a real difference to people who live here. The new Ellergreen Estate is a great community of good quality housing and nice surroundings that people are only too happy to move into and bring up their families.”

Redeeming our Communities

erseyside Police and the Christian Church network, City Links, recently joined forces to hold a Redeeming our Communities event with the theme of reducing gun and knife crime through prayer and policing. The event looked at how local churches can work together with the police to help rid communities of violent crime and disorder and improve the lives of local people. More than 5,000 people of all ages and faiths packed the Liverpool Echo Arena to hear key speakers such as Gee Walker, mother of murdered Liverpool teenager Anthony Walker, Merseyside Police Chief Constable

Bernard Hogan-Howe and Government Crime Adviser Louise Casey, talk about how communities can play a crucial role. Debra Green, Director of City Links, who brought the scheme to Merseyside said: “Redeeming our Communities is an initiative which encourages people to work together for a safer and kinder society. As a result, we have seen crime rates reduced in towns and cities across the UK and huge numbers of people inspired

Your new Merseyside Police magazine

and motivated to work for the good of their local community.” Gee Walker of the Anthony Walker Foundation said: “Events like this are about bringing communities together – it is a great boost for the fight against knife crime and bullying.” The event also featured performances by Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalists MD Productions, and Actor Andrew Lancel, who plays Detective Inspector Neil Manson in the hit ITV1 police drama ‘The Bill’, made a guest appearance.

Secured by design

evelopers of a local estate in Liverpool recently received a prestigious award from Merseyside Police for their crime-busting property design. New City Vision has been working on part of the redevelopment of the Boot Estate in Norris Green. Working together with Merseyside Police, the new properties have been built to

”

‘Secured by Design’ standards. These standards are part of a national scheme that makes use of crime prevention tactics and security measures when building new homes. A simple example of this could be making sure good lighting is installed. Research shows that Secured by Design can reduce burglary and car crime by 50% and criminal damage by 25%.

With a successful first phase of building complete, more houses are planned for the near future, ensuring that the same high security standards are used throughout the whole estate.

INSIGHT

Q&A

WITH CSI ANGELA PAYNTER

Name Angela Paynter (30) Job Crime Scene Investigator for Merseyside Police Lives Liverpool

Q Why did you decide to become a CSI? A I never set out to become a CSI – I studied to be a quantity surveyor but decided I didn’t want an office job. Having already been a call-handler for the police, I knew about crime scene investigation and thought it looked fascinating. Q How did you go about getting the job? A It’s quite hard to get into, so I went on as many placements as I could. I worked as an assistant CSI, examining cars that had been stolen or used in crimes. I also did a course to learn the basics such as fingerprints, recovering DNA and photographing crime scenes. After a year, I applied to be a CSI and did more extensive training, including with the Forensic Science Service, learning how to examine crime scenes, and about firearms and explosives. Q And what is your average day? A There’s no such thing, but that’s what I like about the job. My day starts with a briefing where we’re given a list of crime scenes to visit. Some days it will be burglaries or car crime, others it can be serious assaults or a fatality. I’ll also have to submit fingerprint lifts and DNA samples for evidence, liaise with the officers in charge of the case and complete paperwork. Q How do you cope with the gruesome nature of the job? A It’s not a job for everyone, but it’s not as gruesome as they make out on TV. The job can be physically demanding. I once had to spend a day in an illegal cannabis factory as it was being dismantled. I was covered in muck by the end, but I knew I’d done a good day’s work.

Your new Merseyside Police magazine

Q A lot of it must be very satisfying? A Yes, it’s a great buzz finding something that leads to a suspect being identified – it’s what the job is all about and it’s the best feeling in the world. Q You must have worked on some pretty high-profile cases? A Yes, probably the most high-profile was the murder of Kevin Monteith in Rainhill, last year. We found a tiny speck of the victim’s blood on one of the links in the suspect’s watchstrap and that was used in evidence against him in court (Editor’s note: Stephen Keogh, aged 44, of Lyme Close, Huyton, was found guilty of Mr Monteith’s murder and sentenced last June to life imprisonment with a minimum of 15 years). Q What about the most challenging part? A Going to court. Being cross-examined by a barrister isn’t easy, but it is worth it if your evidence helps secure a conviction and a victim gets justice. Q What is your advice to budding CSIs? A You don’t have to have qualifications in science, but an interest in science helps. It’s quite hard to get into, so get as much work experience as you can. Then it’s all down to dedication, a willingness to learn, and having the desire to play a crucial part in the police getting justice for victims of crime.

CSI DID YOU KNOW...

...that microtechnology can allow experts to tell if hair found at a scene was pulled out during a violent incident or has fallen out naturally?

...that experts can use blood pattern analysis to tell if it has come from a self-inflicted injury or from a deliberate assault?

DAYS

365

INSIGHT

Chief Constable’s Annual Report 2008/09

...that by using a technique called ‘Isomark’ experts can remove smoke damage from evidence to reveal fingerprints underneath?

...that a technique called ‘Cinderella Analysis’ allows experts to cross-check footprints – which are the second most common evidence left at a crime scene – against thousands of footwear patterns to see what brand a suspect was wearing?

IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD...

”

I am pleased to present my Annual Report for the year ending 31 March 2009. This year, my report focuses on the successes we have had in a challenging and exciting year for Merseyside Police.

...that traces of drugs can be detected in human hair four weeks after they were taken?

Your new Merseyside Police magazine

...that the national Forensic Science Service handles up to 50,000 mouth swabs for DNA testing a month and can provide police with possible matches within 10 hours, allowing detectives to trace suspects even quicker?

The Capital of Culture Year provided Merseyside with some great events that I’m sure we will all remember. The extra 14 million visitors to Liverpool may only remember the Tall Ships, La Machine and the Open Golf, but our police officers were there to make sure that they left with only happy memories of Merseyside. Despite the influx of people to Merseyside, we continued to see a fall in crime. It’s now at its lowest since 1985. During the last three years we’ve had 57,171 fewer crimes. We’re also seeing success in tackling anti-social

behaviour with a reduction of 19,329 incidents when compared to 2007/08. These results could not be achieved without the hard work, commitment and professionalism of our officers and staff. Equally, we couldn’t have done it without the support of our partners, in particular Merseyside Police Authority, and you. I’m proud of our continued success and am looking forward to the year ahead. We will keep listening to you and working to address the issues that matter to you. Together, we will make Merseyside safer.

BERNARD HOGAN-HOWE CHIEF CONSTABLE

”

9,116 FEWER CRIMES ACROSS MERSEYSIDE COMPARED TO LAST YEAR Crime on Merseyside is at its lowest level since 1985.

19,329 FEWER INCIDENTS OF ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR THAN IN 2007/08

42,000 CRIMES SOLVED Merseyside Police solved over 42,000 crimes from April 08 to March 09 across Merseyside.

ON YOUR STREET 2008/09

42,000

9,116

500

1,819

19,329

crimes solved by Merseyside Police

fewer victims of crime than in 2007/08

fewer homes burgled than in 2007/08

fewer victims of violent crime than in 2007/08

fewer incidents of anti-social behaviour than in 2007/08

900

1,400

£1m

fewer incidents over Halloween and Bonfire Night

children taken off the streets to a place of safety in one night

alcohol seizures near parks and open spaces during the summer

worth of drugs seized in one day after police acted on residents’ concerns

unlicensed and untaxed vehicles seized in the last 12 months

307,550 £1.6m

4,490

14m

39,999

14,800

999 calls made – 95.6% of these were answered within 10 seconds

police officers patrolling the streets of Merseyside

visitors to Merseyside during Capital of Culture year were kept safe

fans safely enjoy a football match each week with just one, on average, being arrested

schools now have a dedicated Safer Schools officer

pupils received education about knife crime from police officers on a Knife Crime Day of Action

We’re working across Merseyside to make life better for our communities. Here is just a snapshot of some of the things we've achieved in the last year – on your street.

11 people arrested and sentenced to 58 years in prison after the murder of Rhys Jones

Chief Constable’s Annual Report 2008/09

cash seized from criminals in the last year, making us the best performing Force outside the Metropolitan Police

10,000

365 CONTACTING US

Sefton

We have tried to make contacting Merseyside Police easy. These are the only three numbers you need to be aware of: 999 Emergency

0151 709 6010 Non-emergency

0800 555111 Crimestoppers

An emergency is where the police are needed immediately. This can be when a crime is in progress or when somebody and/or their property are in immediate danger. For deaf people, in the event of an emergency, text 61051 with appropriate details.

Use this number if you need to contact the police for an incident that is not an emergency – for example, if your car has been broken into whilst you have been shopping. You should also use this number for all internal departments or general enquiries.

If you have any information about crime, call Crimestoppers anonymously. Crimestoppers is a registered charity, independent of the police. Crimestoppers is only interested in what you know, not who you are. You won’t be asked your name and your calls will not be recorded.

This report can be provided in large print, Braille and audio tape. Please contact the Communication and Marketing Department on 0151 709 6010 for further details. Contacting your Neighbourhood Policing Team Your neighbourhood policing team wants to work with you to find out what issues you are facing in your community so they can address them. You can contact them by calling 0151 709 6010 or by visiting the website: www.merseyside.police.uk Type in your postcode to find out who your local neighbourhood officers are and what’s happening in your area. Each neighbourhood policing team has a section on the website which includes:

– – – – –

Name of neighbourhood team Their email address Meeting dates and locations Your local policing priorities Your neighbourhood news

Your Voice Counts We want to hear from you about how we can continue to improve. Your Voice Counts is a feedback system that provides you with the opportunity to let us know when we’ve done well or not so well. You’ll find forms in your local police stations or on our website: www.merseyside.police.uk

请拨打电话 0151 709 6010，可提供本文件的中文版。

Русскую версию документа можно запросить по телефону 0151 709 6010 Ten dokument mo na uzyskać w polskiej wersji językowej pod numerem telefon 0151 709 6010

Acesta este accesibil în română, telefon 0151 709 6010

‫تسا هئارا لباق یسراف نابز هب دنس نیا‬. ‫نفلت‬. Tai galima gauti Lietuviškai, telefonas 0151 709 6010 ‫ةغللاب اًحاتم اذه نوكي نأ نكمي‬ ‫فتاهلا ةيبرعلا‬

St Helens

Liverpool North

Knowsley

Liverpool South

Wirral

IN MY NEIGHBOURHOOD Merseyside Police is committed to providing a dedicated and accessible presence within your neighbourhood. Your local neighbourhood policing team want to prioritise issues that affect you and your community. Tackling these local issues lies at the heart of this local policing approach. Over the next few pages, you will be able to see how we are working with residents and partner agencies to make your community safer. SEFTON

Page 10

LIVERPOOL NORTH

Page 11

LIVERPOOL SOUTH

Page 12

33%

1,500

151

Reduction in robberies We’ve been working hard across Sefton’s schools and we’ve reduced robbery related incidents amongst school children.

Hours of Community Payback work Convicted offenders have been cleaning graffiti from walls, painting fences, picking up litter and cutting grass verges in Kirkdale.

Fewer burglaries Riverside, Greenbank and St Michaels have seen the biggest reduction in burglaries across Merseyside.

Area Commander Ian Pilling www.merseyside.police.uk/sefton KNOWSLEY

Page 13

Area Commander Steve Watson www.merseyside.police.uk/livnorth ST HELENS

Page 14

Area Commander Steve Ashley www.merseyside.police.uk/livsouth WIRRAL

Page 15

115

£175,000

New PCSOs 30 new PCSOs have been introduced on to the streets of Knowsley to help tackle under-age drinking.

Units of alcohol seized In the last six months, we’ve worked with our partner agencies and taken tough action to drive down under-age drinking.

Value of drugs seized During National Tackling Drugs Week, we identified two cannabis farms and seized a large amount of drugs.

Area Commander John Young www.merseyside.police.uk/knowsley

Area Commander Chris Armitt www.merseyside.police.uk/sthelens

Area Commander John Ward www.merseyside.police.uk/wirral

SEFTON

LIVERPOOL NORTH

``` ince April this year until the end of the school year, Litherland and Netherton Neighbourhood Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) Linda Hook and Anne McIntyre have spent Wednesday mornings as conductors of the ‘School Walking Bus’.

SEFTON’S FUTURE IN SAFE HANDS

PCSOs Linda and Anne walk between 10 and 15 children from home to St Robert Bellarmine Catholic Primary School, making sure they get there safely on their own ‘walking bus’. PCSO Linda Hook explains: “The idea of the walking bus is a simple one. It helps to keep children fit, healthy and safe on their way to school and it’s also great for the environment as there is less traffic congestion at the school gates.”

One of the initiatives was a secondary school roadshow which visited 21 schools across the area to give pupils information and advice on how they can avoid becoming a victim of crime.

Justice seen is justice done and that’s exactly what criminals in North Liverpool are discovering, thanks to an innovative new project which is benefiting the local community.

46 The project has been running for 46 working days

£8,372 This is over £8,372 worth of work if paid at minimum wage

1,495 hours of work have been done at the Fountains Close Community Payback Project.

The walking bus will be back in action in September.

ince April, dozens of convicted offenders have been cleaning graffiti from walls, painting fences, picking up litter and cutting grass verges in Kirkdale as part of the Community Payback project.

Reducing robbery in Sefton Police have been cracking down on robberies across Sefton and have brought them down from 43 in March and April to 28 in May and June.

CRIMINALS PAY BACK KIRKDALE

Simple steps like keeping iPods, MP3 players and mobile phones out of sight in public could dramatically reduce their chances of being involved in a robbery.

Community Payback is a punishment handed out by the courts and involves offenders wearing a bright orange

As well as receiving face-to-face advice from officers, pupils were also given a UV pen and a crime prevention leaflet to reinforce the message of how important it is to property-mark valuables and register mobile phones on the Immobilise website.

jacket while they carry out supervised work to pay back the community for the crimes they have committed. During the project in Kirkdale, which centered around the Fountains Close area, nearly 1,500 hours of community work has been done, which would have cost £8,372 if paid at the minimum wage.

Judge Fletcher, from the Liverpool North Community Justice Centre, sentenced many of the Community Payback offenders working in Kirkdale. He said: “I get regular feedback on progress and have been pleased by the positive comments of local residents. I have also been impressed by the work put into it by the offenders themselves and the pride they’ve taken in their achievements.”

Tackling number plate theft

3,000

When number plates are stolen, they are usually put on cars that look similar so they can drive around without being stopped by police, often being used to commit crimes.

bottles of alcohol seized from under-age drinkers in Sefton in the last year, resulting in...

150

1,040

6,834

fewer incidents involving drunken young people.

fewer victims of crime in Sefton last year.

more PCSOs on the streets last year, helping Sefton see 1,400 fewer anti-social behaviour incidents.

fewer incidents of anti-social behaviour than last year in Liverpool North.

Your new Merseyside Police magazine

Sergeant Rob Ross has been out in the Old Swan/West Derby area fixing tamper-proof screws to number plates to stop them getting stolen. It’s a simple but effective measure, and more than 120 have been fitted to cars at Sainsbury’s on East Prescot Road,

while screws have also been given to car dealerships in the area. The idea has been well received, with more than 20 positive comments coming in through Merseyside Police’s Your Voice Counts. One grateful motorist said: “It is good that the police are helping people with practical things that can make it harder for criminals to steal cars and number plates and use them to commit other crimes.”

LIVERPOOL SOUTH

KNOWSLEY

MAKING SOUTHDENE A SAFER PLACE TO LIVE

BURGLARY REDUCTION IN GREENBANK T

he neighbourhood of Riverside, St Michaels and Greenbank saw the largest reduction in burglary of any neighbourhood in Merseyside for the year ending April 2009. There were 151 fewer offences in the last year resulting in a total reduction of 73% since 2005. We provided home security checks and crime prevention advice, as well as issuing SmartWater kits and improving security of particularly vulnerable homes. Inspector Stuart Quirk said: “We are really pleased to see this continued reduction in the number of burglaries. Just following some simple crime prevention advice can really make your home much safer. Our officers and PCSOs are always on hand to offer assistance to residents. By working together we

are making Riverside, St Michaels and Greenbank neighbourhood a safer place to live.” Keeping your home safe: – Don’t leave valuables, including car keys, where they can be seen through windows or reached through a letterbox. – Always lock your windows and doors, even if you are just nipping out. – Set your house alarm when you go out or go to bed. – Never leave keys in an insecure place outside your home – burglars know where to look. – Be aware of ‘bogus callers’ to your home – make sure visitors are genuine by asking to see their identity card.

Did you know? Premiership football referee Chris Foy is also a Police Constable based in Liverpool South’s Community Relations Team. Chris’ role is School Sports Engagement Co-ordinator, where he uses his skills and knowledge as both a referee and a police officer to engage with young people and actively encourage healthy living, positive attitudes and good citizenship.

If you’d like to know more about how to avoid becoming a victim of crime, visit www.merseyside.police.uk and click on ‘Crime Prevention’.

£22,000 82

5,035

people have been arrested for burglary in Liverpool South since 1 April 2009.

There are 5 schools officers working with 5,035 children across Liverpool South.

Your new Merseyside Police magazine

Over £22,000 of drugs were seized during National Tackling Drugs Week in June.

esidents of Southdene told us they wanted us to tackle anti-social behaviour, drinking and drugs in their area. We decided to carry out a week of action to do something about it. We tackled truancy, litter, fly-tipping and vandalism, as well as drug taking, glue and solvent abuse – in short, all the things you had told us mattered to you. Sergeant Dave Brennan said: “The week of action was a great opportunity for us to work with local residents to help improve their community. We are listening to their concerns and tackling the issues that they tell us are most important to them.”

During the week, our officers stopped and searched people and vehicles, arrested people wanted for various offences and seized drugs which were valued at just under £2 million.

of drugs was fantastic. These people have been ruining things for the decent people in Southdene so it was great to see the police take this action.”

Also, 52 children were taken back to school or their home by the Truancy Team, and 25 grotspots were cleared of rubbish and graffiti.

Steve Agger, Service Director for Crime and Disorder, Knowsley Council, also commented: “We've worked really hard not just to make Southdene a safer place, but also a cleaner place by removing a lot of rubbish from the area. Working together with the police and the local residents has been of real benefit to us all.”

A local resident said: “As a resident of Southdene, I think the police activity lately has been great. I have seen and spoken to loads of PCSOs and police officers and have seen just how quiet the parks are. I thought the drug raid where they found over a million pounds’ worth

1,200 people have signed up to Community Messaging in Knowsley. If you want to keep yourself updated about crime issues in your area via text, email or voice message, visit www.knowsleycommunity messaging.org or call the Community Messaging Administrator on 0151 777 6217

additional Police Community Support Officers will join Knowsley area in September this year.

years of sentencing has been given to burglary offenders in Knowsley during the past 12 months.

ST HELENS

WIRRAL

DRIVING DOWN DRUG USE IN WIRRAL MAKING ST HELENS TOWN CENTRE SAFER St Helens town centre is safer than it has ever been, thanks to the police and partners.

uring the last six months the police, council and town centre management have been working together to take tough action to drive down anti-social behaviour. This has included making daily visits to business premises, carrying out truancy checks and holding crime prevention events. Police patrols

have increased, particularly in the areas that attract drug users, drunk people and illegal street traders. This has resulted in two vehicles being seized for no insurance, 115 units of alcohol taken from under-18 year olds, eight cannabis warnings, three Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBO) and 14 Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABC) issued. Arshad Mohammed, from Girl Talk, said: “It’s a brilliant scheme. I have a stall in the market and a shop in the same arcade. There used to be loads of drunks and drug users

congregating on the benches outside a store between the two. Some of my customers, especially the older ones, did not like walking past them – they were scared. It also affected my staff when they moved stock. Since the operation started the drunks and drug users aren’t there, I feel safe walking between my stores as do my customers and staff. The whole area has improved. I only hope the operation keeps going.”

Merseyside Police and other local agencies made a real difference to Wirral communities by targeting drug dealers and users during a week of action in June.

his work was part of National Tackling Drugs Week and continues the ongoing fight against drugs. Merseyside Police, Wirral Drug and Alcohol Action Team, local public services and community services worked together to tackle drug use, making their communities safer through education, prevention and treatment. During the week, officers executed warrants, conducted stop searches and made a number of arrests – leading to the identification of two cannabis farms and the seizure of

£175,000 of cannabis, cocaine and other drugs. However, tackling drugs is about more than just taking them off the streets. Wirral DAAT continued their work to get people off drugs through the Drug Intervention Programme and took information about the help available to drug users and their families out into the community. Gary Rickwood, Acting Strategy Manager for Wirral DAAT explained: “We understand the long and short term impact drug misuse can have on the community and on people’s lives. Effective treatment for drug

Pupils from three local high schools produced their own film, in their own words, to prompt young people to think twice about drinking alcohol. Judges were overwhelmed by the hard-hitting, influential themes used by all schools, but eventually chose De La Salle as the winning school. The film

fewer victims of crime in Wirral last year.

had viewers gripped right through to the dramatic climax. Winning student, Patrick Royle said: “I think this video will get the message across to teenagers. They can see the effect of underage drinking in a hard-hitting way.” The students received a £300 cheque for their school and they also got to keep the video camera. You can see the video by visiting www.youtube.com/watch?v= peptcNrMv2k

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Inspector Brian Griffiths said: “Many crimes can be connected with drug use. By cracking down hard and ridding the streets of those responsible for the sale and use of illegal drugs, we can positively change the lives of many people and improve communities.”

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Young Spielbergs produce film to tackle under-age drinking The red carpet was rolled out at De La Salle High School in St Helens as pupils celebrated winning a Merseyside Police competition to make a film to warn others about the dangers of teenage drinking.

and alcohol users can make such a difference to the lives of so many.”

6,686 crimes were solved in Wirral last year.

148 fewer abandoned cars in St Helens last year.

100 children were taken home or to a place of safety since last April to help tackle under-age drinking.

Drumming-in the message The Well Lane Neighbourhood Policing Team has been working with Rock Ferry Community Partnership and its Taiko Drumming Project, giving young people the opportunity to build different kinds of drums. This project allows young people to release their energy in a safe and friendly environment. Volunteers have so far worked with 300 young

people to build more than 100 drums and stands. The scheme is designed to be an innovative and creative activity for young people, to keep them away from crime and anti-social behaviour. The children from the Taiko Drumming project are photographed taking part in a Merseyside Police Authority community event.

2,544 units of alcohol seized between April and May 2009.

208 vehicles seized for having no insurance between April and May 2009.

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Hello again, I hope you enjoyed our magazine. We can’t do all that we do without your support. So if you’ve been inspired to start a community project in your area, or think there’s something we can help you with, get in touch with your local Neighbourhood Inspector. You’ll find all the details on our website www.merseyside.police.uk. The site’s got loads of information on it, including news, crime prevention advice, and even job vacancies with the police. You can also report some types of crime online, but remember – if it’s an emergency, call 999. Thanks for reading!

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CONSTABLE ROBBY PRITCHARD

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