13 Year Old Arrested for Criminal Damage in Knowsley

A 13-year-old boy from Huyton has been arrested following reports of criminal damage and burglary in Huyton Village and the local area. He has been placed on curfew and conditionally bailed preventing him being in Huyton Village Centre. 

Initially, on Saturday 12 October, officers responded to an ongoing incident on Stockbridge Lane, in which damage was caused to the doors of a business premises, and fireworks set off, causing distress to staff. On the same date, officers were also called to a school which had been broken into and where damage had been caused. 

On Monday 21 October officers also responded to reports of youths on the roof of a shopping centre in Huyton Village in which a protective cage was thrown onto the shopping parade below. 

The investigation so far identified the arrested boy as one of the perpetrators. 
Enquiries are ongoing to identify any further suspects involved in the incidents.
Superintendent for Knowsley, Karl Baldwin, said: 

“It’s difficult to comprehend how anyone could think behaviour like this, which is both criminal and antisocial, perpetrated in public spaces, could not have serious consequences. 

“To be clear, it’s not just kids messing about, it’s not a bit of fun: it’s serious criminal damage, and the hard-working people in Knowsley, just trying to go about their day, don’t have to put up with it. 

“It’s sheer luck that nobody was seriously injured in either of these incidents. Anybody who thinks of antisocial behaviour like this as a nuisance or low-level is mistaken. We will treat it with the seriousness it deserves and do all we can to hold those responsible accountable, regardless of their age. 

“This year, working with our partners, we’ve reduced reports of anti-social behaviour by more than 40% in Prescot and Kirkby Town Centres. Overall reports of antisocial behaviour are down by more than 12% across Knowsley, which together with an overall reduction in all crime by 15% is really positive for those that live, work and visit the area.  

“At this time of year, the misuse of fireworks is particularly troubling. I’d urge anyone with knowledge of fireworks being sold illegally to report it via our website. Their capacity to cause catastrophic injuries if they’re misused like this can’t be overstated.”