MERSEYSIDE Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell has today published her 2024/25 Annual Report, showcasing a year of significant achievements in tackling crime, supporting victims, and driving long-term change across the region.

The report provides an overview of the PCC’s activities during the financial year, providing a snapshot of the work being undertaken to deliver on the priorities set out in her Police and Crime Plan.

Despite facing unprecedented challenges, including the tragic events in Southport, the report reveals that Merseyside Police continues to be graded as the best performing metropolitan force in England and Wales by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary.

The force also retained its ‘Outstanding’ rating for tackling Serious and Organised Crime, reflecting the dedication and professionalism of officers and staff.

Among the headline achievements:

• Overall crime fell by 7%, with more than 10,000 fewer offences.
• Firearm discharges dropped by 45%, and residential burglaries by 17%.
• Vehicle crime fell by 18%, and theft from person by 43%.
• 314 County Lines were closed, and 410 arrests made under Operation Medusa.
• Nearly 60,000 victims of crime were offered or received support via the Police and Crime’s Commissioner’s Victim Care Merseyside service.
• £4.15m secured for initiatives to prevent crime and support victims.
• £2.4m invested in hotspot policing, leading to a 32.8% reduction in serious violence in targeted areas.

The report, the fourth produced by the PCC, also highlights her work to meet and listen to the views of people across Merseyside, with more than 4,500 residents and 9,400 partners reached through 553 events and meetings.

Emily Spurrell, Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner said:- “This year has tested our region in ways we could never have imagined. The devastating events in Southport shook us all, but the response from our communities, and their compassion, unity, and resilience, reminded us of the very best of Merseyside. I want to thank every officer, staff member, and volunteer who stepped up during this time. Their bravery and professionalism were nothing short of exceptional. I’m immensely proud that we continue to make real progress. Crime is down, serious violence is being tackled head-on, and thousands of victims have received the care and support they deserve. Our hotspot policing strategy has delivered tangible results, and our investment in neighbourhood policing and our young people is helping to build safer, stronger neighbourhoods. Despite these achievements, I know there’s more to do. I remain committed to fighting for fairer funding, improving victim services, and ensuring our police force is visible, responsive, and trusted. Together, we will continue to build a Merseyside where everyone feels safe and supported."

Presented as an interactive PDF, the Annual Report features infographics and case studies that showcase the Commissioner’s work, highlighting her engagement with Merseyside communities, her role in holding the Chief Constable to account, and the delivery of the Victim Care Merseyside service.

As required by law, Emily must produce an annual report. The final version was officially launched today following its presentation to the Police and Crime Panel, the independent body responsible for scrutinising her work.

Panel members, who had previously reviewed and provided feedback on a draft version, have now formally endorsed the completed report.

Spanning 61 pages, the report also offers a clear overview of progress against each of the Commissioner’s commitments, giving both the Panel and the public a transparent opportunity to assess her performance in delivering key policing and crime priorities.

Other notable achievements highlighted in the Annual Report include:-

• Launch of the Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES), supporting 12,000 young people.
• £1.5m committed to domestic abuse support services.
• Expansion of trauma-informed training to 1,000+ police officers and staff.
• Continued success of Project ADDER, with a 109% increase in drug treatment referrals.
• £3.4m invested in Victim Care Merseyside, with 41,347 new referrals assessed for support.

 
The PCC also led the #TakingAction campaign focused on tackling Violence Against Women and Girls and a key commitment in her region-wide strategy focused on ending these crimes.

Members of the public are invited to review the PCC’s work set out in the Annual Report 2024/25 and share feedback to help shape future priorities.

To read the full report, visit this link.

Alternatively, watch a video summarising the Annual report here.