Initial Results from Launch of Evolve - Clear, Hold, Build

We have had a Day of Action in Liverpool and Knowsley today (Friday, January 27, 2023) as part of the community launch of Clear, Hold, Build.

Throughout the day, a large number of officers from Matrix, roads policing, the mounted and dogs’ sections as well as dedicated local neighbourhood policing teams worked alongside partners across Yew Tree, Long View, Page Moss and Huyton areas as part of the ongoing and relentless work to eradicate organised crime groups and their activity.

To be known locally as EVOLVE, this is a Home Office-funded project using a partnership approach to clear areas blighted by organised crime groups and regenerate neighbourhoods.

Results so far include:

Two cannabis farms were found, with around 200 plants seized in total. One man was arrested on suspicion of Cannabis Cultivation and Abstracting electricity. Officers discovered a knife during the land searches.

A Joint operation with Trading Standards at Dovecot shops led to two people being arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply cannabis, and pre-packed cannabis was found to the value of £25,000. £20,000 worth of fake E-Cigarettes were also seized.

During vehicles stops, various driving offences were identified and action taken.

Liverpool City Council, Riverside Housing and LIVV Housing carried our a multi-agency walkabout in the Dovecot area. LIVV, Mersey Care and GP Services also held a community drop in at L14 Community Centre.

Operations to clear crime from Liverpool and Knowsley will continue to run alongside the holding and build phases to ensure the areas evolve to become places people love to live, work and visit.

Chief Inspector Tony Fairhurst, who is one of the lead officers involved in EVOLVE, said: “While we have started the initial Clear and Hold phases in these areas, it is an ongoing process.

“Residents can expect to see more officers in targeted areas working hard to not only prevent crime but to help protect those who are vulnerable to crime and our communities as a whole. 

“Working together with our partners, as well as communities, we will continue to do everything in our powers to disrupt and deter criminals from operating on our streets.

“We will break their business models and their ability to exploit the vulnerable by also targeting those that support OCGs such as by assisting their financing and money laundering, helping them to rent premises or to run businesses financed by the OCGs. 

“To help us make the greatest impact we need the community to continue to engage with us to give us the intelligence we need to be able to keep people safe.”

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