Officers appeal for information after several incidents of criminal damage in St Helens

We are appealing for information after a series of criminal damage offences in Thatto Heath and Sutton Leach this month.

Between Friday 7th November and Thursday 13th November we received 11 reports of damage caused to eight houses and three vehicles using a ball bearing. Seven offences were reported during the morning and early afternoon of Thursday 13 November and several properties on Sherdley Road were targeted.

The latest incident occurred at around 12 noon on Thursday 13 November at a property on Elephant Lane where the owner reported significant damage caused to the front ground-floor double-glazed window of the house. A metallic ball (approx. 10mm) was located between the panes.

Inspector Tara Smith said: “These were deliberate acts of vandalism which have caused significant damage to several properties in St Helens.

Our officers are taking these offences very seriously and have deployed police units in the area this morning, carried out extensive house enquiries and analysed CCTV footage.

“These reckless crimes have undoubtedly caused serious disruption to businesses and people’s homes. Thankfully no injuries have been reported but residents are fearful of any further offences taking place. This area of St Helens is a priority focus location and we have the powers to deal with anyone causing vandalism, alarm and distress.

“I ask businesses in the area to check your CCTV footage and contact us if they think it has captured the perpetrators causing the issue to help identify them and bring them to justice.”

“We’re also keen to speak to those who saw anyone committing the offences.

“CCTV, dashcam and doorbell footage could be vital as we look to find and prosecute any offenders.”

Anyone with information should contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’. You can also report information via our website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or call 101 quoting incident reference 25000712191.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously. In an emergency always call 999.