Mersey Reporter - #Merseybites #News

MERSEYSIDE'S Police and Crime Commissioner is inviting residents to meet her and their local policing team and Councillors at a series of community walkabouts taking place this summer as part of the Government backed Safer Streets Summer campaign.

The walkabouts are a key feature of the Commissioner’s wider plan to tackle anti social behaviour (ASB), retail crime, and street crime across Merseyside's Town Centres during the busy summer months.

They offer a unique opportunity for local people to speak directly with the Commissioner, their neighbourhood officers and local Councillors about the issues that matter most to them, to share ideas, and see first-hand the work being done to make their communities safer.

The walkabouts, which is starting on:- Wednesday, 16 July 2025, in Sefton, are part of the work to provide a high visibility policing presence in town centres across the summer and will provide an opportunity for the PCC and police to engage with retailers and local businesses and provide crime prevention advice.

They are part of a wider programme of activity taking place across Merseyside this summer, with hotspot policing, youth diversion schemes, and targeted enforcement in areas like:- Bootle, Southport, Birkenhead, Huyton, and Liverpool City Centre.

The walkabouts will take place in:-

Stanley Road / Strand Shopping Centre in Bootle, from:- 4pm, on:- Wednesday, 16 July.
Kirkby Town Centre, from:- 12noon, on Monday, 4 August.
St Helens Town Centre, from:- 1.45pm, on:- Wednesday, 13 August.
Liverpool City Centre, at:- Chavasse Park, from:- 10am, on:- Friday 15 August.
Birkenhead Town Centre,from:- 11am, on:- Thursday, 28 August

Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said:- "These walkabouts are about listening to residents, being visible in our communities, and showing that we are taking action against the issues that matter most. By bringing together:- local people, retailers, Councillors, Police Officers, and community partners in our Town Centres, we can better understand the challenges and work together to create safer, stronger neighbourhoods."

The Safer Streets Summer campaign is part of the Government's Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, which places a greater emphasis on the importance of Local Policing nationally. As part of this, every neighbourhood in England and Wales will have dedicated teams spending their time on the beat, with guaranteed police patrols in town centres and other hotspot areas at peak times.

This summer’s activity includes:-

High-visibility patrols and plain-clothes operations.
Retail crime prevention and hotspot enforcement.
Youth diversion programmes funded through the PCC's £460,000 Youth Empowerment Scheme.
Community engagement events and safety campaigns.

Emily added:- "This isn’t just about enforcement. This summer, we're increasing presence, partnership, and public engagement. It’s about building trust, creating connections, and making sure every resident feels heard and supported. Summer should be a time for fun, and we’re working hard to make sure it’s safe too."

To follow the campaign and get involved, search #SaferStreetsSummer on social media or visit the ‘Your Area’ section of the Merseyside Police website:

Liverpool (Gladstone)

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