Stop search order is in place in Liverpool city centre

A stop search order is in place in Liverpool City Centre today, Wednesday 8 April, following a recent number of incidents of crime and disorder in the area.

The Section 60 Order was introduced at 11am today and runs until 4am tomorrow, Thursday 9 April, and will form part of Merseyside Police’s plan in response to increases of youth related anti-social behaviour and criminality which has been seen over the school holidays. Additional officers will be in the area to provide a visible presence to prevent crime or serious violence.

This order covers the area bounded in the map and includes William Brown Street, London Road, Seymour Street, Russell Street, Clarence Street, Rodney Street, Upper Duke Street, Great George Street, Nelson Street, Bridgewater Street, Chaloner Street, Queens Wharf, Kings Parade, Mann Island, George Parade, St Nicholas Place, Chapel Street, Tithebarn Street, Great Crosshall Street and Byrom Street and all railway stations and roads within this area.

It also includes a Section 60AA authorisation, meaning failure to remove a face covering when asked by an officer could result in arrest. Any face covering can also be seized by a police officer.

Liverpool City Centre Neighbourhood Inspector said: “This Section 60 Order is an added measure to provide us with the powers needed to stop and search people in the area if they are suspected of carrying weapons.

“We have proactively put it in place following several reports during the Easter school holidays of violent offences. One such incident yesterday evening (Tuesday 7 April) resulted in a 15-year-old boy getting stabbed in the arm at the Albert Dock. In another incident earlier this month five males attempted to steal mobile phones from a stall in Clayton Square, and when challenged they hit the victim in the face. A group of youths were causing a general nuisance in Tesco in Whitechapel, and when confronted by the security guard they threatened him.

“This order has been put in place to provide reassurance to the community and help keep everyone safe. It is not designed to disrupt people going about their lawful business in the city centre. However, we will proactively police this order and take positive robust action where appropriate.

“Extra officers are in the area to search any individuals or groups causing such issues, and to provide reassurance to the vast majority of law-abiding people in the community. 

“If you witness any criminal behaviour, or have any information about such incidents, please contact or speak to our officers and we will take action.” 

Following a public consultation, on 24 March Liverpool City Council put in place a three-year Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to combat anti-social behaviour.

Inspector Woodward added: “The PSPO is an additional measure which gives officers and nominated people working at Liverpool City Council the additional enforcement powers to support the work we’re already doing with our community partners. I would encourage you to view a copy of the order including the list of prohibitions which are available on the councils website. I would encourage members of the public to report all breaches of this order to Merseyside Police.

"Now that the longer sunny days are upon us, I would like to remind parents and guardians of the importance of knowing where your child is and what they are up to, particularly during the Easter school holidays.

“Most young people behave responsibly, but sadly it is a minority of youths are being disruptive. We don’t want to arrest or criminalise a young person, but if incidents continue to escalate we need to take formal action.

“Just imagine if it was your loved one who was on the receiving end of their disruptive behaviour. No parent wants a knock on their door from a police officer informing them that their child has been arrested or even been involved in a serious accident.”

Always call 999 if a crime is in progress. You can pass any information on anti-social behaviour via our social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter or 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook.

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.

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.