Two charged followed business crimes in Sefton

Two people have been charged following two business crimes in Sefton.

On Monday 13 April, jewellery was stolen from Henry Pidduck Jewellers in Lord Street. Yesterday, Tuesday 14 April, a report was received of two women being seen in suspicious circumstances at the same location. Officers from the Southport Town Centre Team, who were close by on foot patrol, detained the women, one of whom was arrested on suspicion of theft.

Lindsay Hutchins, 38, of Leicester Street, Southport, has now been charged with Theft in relation to Monday’s incident. She was remanded in custody to appear at Sefton Adult Remand Court today, Wednesday 15 April.

On Wednesday 8 April, a member of staff at a warehouse in Bootle reported his bike having been stolen from his workplace. At around 2pm yesterday, Tuesday 14 April, the victim recognised his bike being ridden on Stanley Road and called police. At 2.20pm, a man was detained.  

Alexander Porter, 47, of Sussex Road, Southport has been charged with Burglary other than dwelling and remanded in custody to appear at Wirral Adult Remand Court today, Wednesday 15 April.

Sefton Area Commander Karl Baldwin said: “We are keenly aware of the harm burglary and theft can cause towards individuals and businesses, particularly in our Town Centres and Shopping Parks, which is why we’re treating it as a priority. The introduction of the Southport Town Centre Team and the launch of the Merseyside Anti-Social Behaviour Partnership are evidence of our commitment.

“Merseyside Police recently implemented our new operating model, and we are already seeing the benefits on the frontline. Having additional neighbourhood policing officers across the force allows us to provide a faster and more effective response, serving local needs. The smart police work in both of these arrests demonstrates the power of greater local knowledge, and the availability of our officers to tackle these issues. I’m sure that those communities will be pleased to see such positive action being taken.

“If you have any information on crime in Sefton, come forward and we will ensure our officers continue to be in the right places to respond.”

Always call 999 if a crime is in progress. If you have any other information, contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X or Facebook @MerPolCC. You can also report information via our website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or by calling 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