City Centre North

We are responding to community concerns linked to a range of anti-social behaviour linked to youth groups and members of the street community across the ward. The main number of reports over the last month have been around the areas of Williamson Square and around Highfield Street, near to Vauxhall Road.

We continue to work closely with partner organisations to deal with ongoing issues in the area.
Officers regularly patrol the neighbourhood and speak with business owners, residents, and community leaders. This helps us better understand local concerns, respond to issues, and gather important information.
We have carried out a number of proactive operations, with officers working both in plain clothes and on high-visibility patrols. We have also issued several Community Protection Notices and Orders to individuals causing problems, helping to reduce their impact on the area.
Ahead of the May half-term holidays, when anti-social behaviour usually increases, we introduced a dedicated disruption plan. This included more foot patrols, greater police visibility, and increased engagement with businesses and visitors in the city centre.
We have provided evidence to Liverpool City Council to support a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). This has now been approved and is being actively enforced by police officers and PCSOs. Since it was introduced, officers have taken firm action against those who break the rules, including removing individuals from the area and reporting breaches to the council.
A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) is a legal measure used to deal with ongoing anti-social behaviour in specific public areas. It is designed to ensure these spaces can be used safely and without disruption.
Following incidents involving youth violence and two knife-related offences, a Section 60 stop and search power was authorised. Additional officers from the Matrix Team were deployed to support this. Section 60 allows officers to stop and search people without specific grounds when serious violence is expected or there is a risk of weapons being carried.
We continue to work with Liverpool City Council to highlight the importance of the PSPO, especially as we approach the busy summer period, to help reassure residents and local businesses.
Neighbourhood officers are now patrolling the area during peak times when incidents are more likely. They will remain visible and respond quickly to any issues.
Working with the council, we have also cleared overgrown vegetation on the city centre side of Leeds Street. This area had been used to hide drug use, and its removal has helped reduce this activity.
In addition, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, along with the North West Underwater Search and Marine Unit, have been carrying out visible boat patrols along the waterfront and docks. These patrols provide extra reassurance, and further activity is planned.
We encourage all members of the public to report incidents by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency. You can also report online or visit your local enquiry office at Admiral Street Police Station or St Anne Street Police Station.

We aim to build trust with local retailers by responding proactively to retail crime and encouraging confidence in reporting incidents such as shop theft, burglary, and robbery, so we can better support businesses across Liverpool City Centre.

We have introduced a dedicated team of officers through a new initiative called Operation Santiago. This team works closely with local businesses and takes a proactive approach to tackling shop theft, burglary, and robbery in key retail areas across the City Centre North ward.
Operation Santiago launched in late 2025 in Liverpool City Centre. Officers provide a regular, high-visibility presence in busy retail areas to deter crime and reassure business owners and staff.
These priority locations are reviewed every week by the Sergeant leading the operation.
The main activities of Operation Santiago include:
•Joint patrols with local security teams each week to increase visibility, strengthen working relationships, and share information in real time.
•Targeted action against anti-social behaviour, including the use of pre-Community Protection Notices (pre-CPNs) and Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) for repeat offenders, helping to prevent further crimes and protect businesses.
•Attendance at Retail Watch meetings, organised by Liverpool BID and Liverpool ONE, where officers provide advice on protecting crime scenes, following “Golden Hour” principles, and addressing concerns raised by retailers.
•“Cuppa with a Copper” events, giving businesses a chance to speak informally with officers, build relationships, and share feedback.
In April, we successfully secured a number of Criminal Behaviour Orders against individuals who continued to offend in the area. These orders help reduce crime by placing strict rules on those responsible for repeated business offences.
A Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) is a court order given after someone has been convicted of a criminal offence. It is used to prevent ongoing anti-social behaviour, protect businesses and the public, and address the causes of offending. This is done through restrictions, such as banning individuals from certain areas, and requirements, such as engaging with support services. Breaching a CBO is a criminal offence and can lead to arrest and further court action.
We are also aware that some shops are being targeted by individuals committing offences linked to substance misuse. To help with this, funding has been secured for a Safer Pod, which has been placed in stores experiencing repeated issues. This has proven effective in reducing crime by acting as a strong visual deterrent.
We encourage all businesses and members of the public to report every incident of business crime or offences against retail staff. You can report incidents by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency. Reports can also be made online or in person at the General Enquiry Office at Admiral Street Police Station or St Anne Street Police Station.