Crime prevention activity ahead of the festive period

Crime prevention equipment is being distributed by officers to businesses and homes in crime hotspots across Merseyside to help crackdown on burglaries, robberies and thefts.

This preventative policing approach ahead of the festive period will see officers in Community Policing teams advising residents and business owners about the steps they can take to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime.

Superintendent Martin Earl said: “Historically, we have seen a rise in acquisitive crime at this time of the year, so we have been helping residents and businesses to keep themselves safe and keep their property and premises secure.

“This work is well underway, with officers distributing thousands of crime prevention devices and accessories directly to vulnerable members of the community and neighbourhoods that have previously been targeted by criminals.

“Officers are also visiting retail parks and other business premises to distribute the equipment, offering advice on how to improve security including the use of DNA marking solutions, tracking devices and video surveillance.”

The crime prevention equipment was purchased using funding from the Home Office and includes fogging devices, smart doorbells, personal attack alarms, property marking kits, various types of security sensors and alarms, and bike marking and registration kits.

Lots of the fogging devices have been distributed and fitted in premises across Merseyside. They fill the room with dense fog making it impossible for an intruder to locate valuables. The fog is completely harmless and doesn’t damage property. It remains in the room long enough to make it difficult for the offender to see and delays their escape while the police make their way to the scene.

Superintendent Earl added: “The fogging devices are very impressive. They can rapidly fill a room with fog and it’s very effective at stopping a burglar in their tracks. I’m pleased we’ve been able to help get dozens of these units fitted in locations throughout the force area.

“We will soon launch Operation Shepherd, our annual campaign to reduce crime and keep our communities safe during the festive period. You may have already seen extra officers out and about and we will be working hard to prevent crime and to identify offenders.

“The public can help us by being vigilant on the run up to Christmas and New Year. Review the security of your home or business premises and make things difficult for the criminal – there is lots of advice on the force website or visit the Secured by Design website.”

If you have any information about anyone acting suspiciously in the vicinity of homes or businesses, or being in possession of suspected stolen goods, please contact our social media desk on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or pass information via their secure online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously