PCC marks end of summer safer streets campaign

PCC marks end of summer safer streets campaign

Community Safety Partners in Knowsley have reiterated their commitment to making town centres safer as the summer element of the national Safer Streets campaign draws to an end.

Local policing teams, working in collaboration with Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell and with local community safety partners, has engaged with communities through a series of action days which have taken place across the region, bringing mounted police, air and bike support and other specialist teams into the heart of local hubs. In addition, there has been an increase in neighbourhood officers attending local surgeries, youth programmes and summer festivities.

Sarah Rotherham, Local Policing Superintendent, said: "Anti-social Behaviour has been a key area of focus for the campaign. Increased patrols in hotspot areas have continued to deliver positive results for residents, and the successful launch of Op Gears - the force's dedicated operation aimed at tackling scrambler bikes - resulted in the seizure of 163 illegal two-wheeled bikes in August alone, bringing the 2025 total to 789 so far. There has also been a 450% increase in intelligence reporting, directly contributing to arrests, charges and vehicle seizures across Merseyside.

"Local, ASB focused operations - such as Operation Zinc in Knowsley - have made use of both high-visibility and plain clothes deployments, while partnership campaigns such as 'Safe Nights, Great Places' and Pubwatch in St Helens have focused on fostering a safer night-time economy, leading to Purple Flag accreditation.

"Retail Crime and Business Protection have been a key focus of the campaign, with Criminal Behaviour Orders being issued to prolific shoplifters and multiple arrests and charges for burglary and robbery. The Shopwatch initiative has helped to strengthen links between police and retailers; over a hundred additional reports of theft were made in its first month of implementation.

"The force has continued to prioritise work to end Violence Against Women and Girls across the summer months, with Operation Topaz leading to the arrest of 19 suspects, including for domestic abuse and harassment, and more licenced premises staff being trained in the 'Ask for Angela' initiative.

"We've made multiple arrests for the possession and intent to supply class A and B drugs. Police dogs were also deployed successfully on search warrants to disrupt drug networks - all aimed at safer communities and safer streets."

As well as a series of proactive action days, Emily hosted a series of community walkabouts in known hotspots across the region, giving residents the opportunity to meet her, local policing teams and Councillors. These events provided a platform to discuss concerns and observe the work being done to tackle anti-social behaviour, retail crime and street crime.

In addition, a wide range of diversionary activities were delivered over the summer with £100,000 funding from the Commissioner's Youth Empowerment Scheme {YES} focused on preventing crime and antisocial behaviour and giving young people positive opportunities during the school holidays.

Emily said: "The Safer Streets Summer campaign has shown the power of partnership in action. From tackling antisocial behaviour and retail crime to removing dangerous, illegal bikes off our roads and protecting women and girls, our communities have seen real, visible results.

"Our commitment to safety doesn't end with the summer. We work year-round to make our streets safer, our town centres more welcoming, and our neighbourhoods stronger. I want to thank everyone involved, from officers on the ground to community partners, for helping to deliver a safer Merseyside for all.

"I also want to thank the public for their vital continued support and engagement. Whether it's sharing intelligence, attending community events, or simply speaking with local officers, your involvement makes a real difference. Together, we're building safer, more resilient communities across Merseyside."

While summer may be at an end, Merseyside Police is committed to maintaining focus on local town centres and enhancing community engagement as part of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee. People are encouraged to visit the Your Area section of the Merseyside Police website to find out more about their local police team.