Evolve Wirral officers hold week of engagement to tackle organised crime in Birkenhead

Officers involved in EVOLVE Wirral have carried out open land searches, high visibility foot patrols and bike security events in a week of community engagement as part of their ongoing work targeting organised crime groups in Birkenhead.

Throughout last week officers carried out foot patrols in hot spot areas around Noctorum, Beechwood and Ballantyne, bike marking events at Noctorum Happy Hub and Beechwood Skate Park, rolled out the mobile police station and worked closely with local housing associations.

One property was closed by Magenta Living with the assistance of Merseyside Police and the tenant evicted following the discovery of a breach of tenancy agreement due to reports of criminal activity and anti-social behaviour.

Matrix Disruption and dog handler officers also carried out an open area search of Arrowe Park for possible hidden weapons.

Inspector Mark Kennedy from the EVOLVE Wirral policing team said: “Throughout the week officers provided a highly visible presence across areas of Birkenhead which have experienced significant issues with organised criminality.

“Officers spoke to multiple members of the public who were delighted to see us and reported feeling an improvement in the areas.

“However, we are not complacent. This is just the beginning of our EVOLVE journey in Birkenhead and together with our partners we are determined to make the area safer for generations to come.

“We have been carrying out high visibility patrols for a number of weeks and will be continuing to provide a strong presence across the estates in Birkenhead.

“We urge anyone with any information about criminality, no matter how small, to report it to us – anonymously via Crimestoppers if preferred – as together we will make the greatest difference.”

Rachel Bennett, Housing Services Director at Magenta Living, added: “We take any instances of ASB extremely seriously.  

"ASB comes in many forms and often leaves people feeling alarmed and distressed.  

"To help tackle ASB in our communities, we will continue to work closely with our partners at Merseyside Police to overcome instances of ASB in our neighbourhoods.  We will always do our best to support our customers.”

 Anyone with any information about crime in the area is asked to call Merseyside Police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.