This is the birkenhead.news weekly round-up of Merseyside Police activity in Wirral during the previous seven days.
Man and woman from Rock Ferry amongst seven jailed for £300k drugs offences
Seven people have been jailed for nearly 40 years and drugs worth more than £300,000 seized following an operation in which detectives cracked a major Carlisle-based crime group.
Cumbria Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit smashed the set-up after launching Operation Oberlin as part of the work going on every day to tackle drugs trafficking and supply in the county.
During three separate parts of the operation, investigations by officers led to drugs including cocaine, cannabis and MDMA being seized, along with cash totalling more than £60,000 and items including an imitation firearm, knuckle dusters and Rolex watches worth thousands of pounds.
Wirral residents advised to #BeatTheBurglar
Wirral Police warned that everyone in the home should get into the habit of locking the door, even when at home, it only takes a second to do. Remove the keys from the lock and keep them out of view/reach – but know where they are in case of an emergency.
Wooden bat concealed in clothes
On Saturday 6 March, following anti-social behaviour, a number of people were issued fines for gathering in breach of Covid regulations on the Beechwood estate.
One male was stop searched after acting suspiciously and found with a wooden bat concealed in his clothes. He was arrested on suspicion of an offensive weapon. We continue to provide a high visibility presence on the estate in response to community feedback.
Birkenhead man jailed for six years for Class A drugs supply
Merseyside Police has welcomed the sentencing of a 34-year-old Wirral man for possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
Paul Clohessy, 34, from Birkenhead was jailed for six years at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday 5 March for possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
Clohessy’s conviction follows three separate offences in the Birkenhead area.
Merseyside Police HQ lights up for International Women’s Day
On Monday 8 March, Merseyside Police HQ was lit in purple tonight to celebrate International Women’s Day.
Wirral Police warning on cryptocurrency investment
Wirral Police warned that if you’re thinking of investing, #TakeFive
Criminals are using social media platforms and search engines to advertise cryptocurrency investment opportunities. These offers of high returns and minimal risk may sound tempting but they’re often a scam.
Be cautious before making any investments, particularly those in cryptocurrency, as most are not regulated by the FCA, and in turn not covered by the UK’s Financial Services Compensation Scheme. You can check if an investment opportunity might be a scam by taking the FCA’s ScamSmart test below. https://crowd.in/03jKLt
Remember: If a deal sounds too good to be true, it usually is! #StopChallengeProtect
PCC unveils preferred candidate to be next Chief Constable of Merseyside Police
Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Jane Kennedy has today announced the current Deputy Chief Constable, Serena Kennedy, is her preferred choice to be the next Chief Constable of Merseyside Police and is referring her to the Police and Crime Panel for confirmation.
She will replace the current Chief Constable, Andy Cooke QPM, when he leaves the role in April 2021, and become the Force’s first ever female Chief Constable, subject to approval by Merseyside’s Police and Crime Panel
Serena, who joined Merseyside Police in 2017 as Assistant Chief Constable, was chosen following a thorough and rigorous assessment and interview process led by the Commissioner and supported by an experienced panel, made up of senior representatives from policing, politics, local government and health.
Martin Decker, the ‘gentleman lawyer’ found murdered
On Tuesday 9 March, Merseyside Police reported that the body of Martin Decker had been found at his home in Vyner Croft, Birkenhead the previous Sunday.
His family issued a statement in tribute to Mr Decker on Wednesday 10 March, saying, “He is loved by all and his passing will leave a massive hole in our lives which can never be filled.”
Mr Decker was a Tranmere Rovers fan and on the same day, the club also paid tribute to him.
On Thursday March 11, a man was arrested in connection with the case and on Saturday 13 March, the 23-year-old man, David Iwo was charged with Mr Decker’s murder and appeared at Preston Crown Court.
Driver in Bromborough had no licence and no insurance
On the evening of Tuesday 9 March, local Officers covering South Wirral stopped a vehicle on The Rake, Bromborough. The driver had no licence and no insurance and has been reported for the relevant offences.
Body found at Morpeth Dock was missing Birkenhead man
Merseyside Police reported on Wednesday 10 March that it was sadly confirmed that a body believed to be that of 28-year-old Uyapo Hayunga-Macha was found in Morpeth Wharf, Birkenhead on Tuesday 9 March.
Uyapo – also known as Theo – lived in Birkenhead, and was last seen in the early hours of 4 December on Beckwith Street.
Burglary victims receive ‘home safety packs’
On Wednesday 10 March, Wirral Police announced that Birkenhead North and Bidston area residents would see community officers from #teamBeb out on patrol delivering home safety packs to victims of burglary in the area.
Crack cocaine and cash seized in Tranmere raid
Responding to information residents, Wirral Police seized Class A Crack Cocaine and cash on Wednesday 10 March in Tranmere.
Police executed 3 search warrants in Harrowby Road, Tranmere, targeting drug dealing highlighted by the community. There was a 4th search warrant executed at a flat in Lowwood Road, and also an additional search of a house in Rodney Street.
Man’s body found on West Kirby beach
Merseyside Police has confirmed that emergency services are in attendance following the discovery of a man’s body on West Kirby Beach on the afternoon of Friday 12 March.
Hunting knife recovered by officer tackling electric scooter rider
On the afternoon of Friday 12 March, an Officer tackled a male off a high powered electric scooter on Valley Road, Bromborough. During the struggle, a hunting knife fell from the male’s jacket.
Unfortunately, the male then made is escape and an investigation commences.
Local police team tackling crime in Birkenhead #OpTarget
This week, local policing teams on the Wirral have been tackling serious violence in the Birkenhead area.
Insp Tom Welch said: “Our priority will always be keeping our communities safe from those involved in crime including antisocial behaviour, gang, drug, knife and gun crime.”
Those living in Birkenhead have expressed concerns about specific areas including Harrowby Road.
Bromborough McDonalds drive-thru gunman jailed
Merseyside Police has welcomed the sentencing of three men after another man was shot in broad daylight last year as he waited in the McDonalds Drive Thru.
Detective Chief Inspector Matt Smith from our Firearms Investigation Team said, “I remain hugely grateful to everyone that came forward and shared information to help us catch the people responsible. I hope this result shows the positive affects you can have by simply supporting police investigations.”
The shooting happened at around 5:30pm on 18th June 2020 at the McDonalds restaurant on Welton Road, Bromborough.
Bike Register marking for Wirral residents
Officers from the Local Policing Team at Wallasey will be carrying out @bikeregister marking on Friday 19th March 2021 at the below two locations.
- 10:00-12:00 Hrs Carrbridge Centre Car Park, Woodchurch
- 14:00-16:00 Hrs Leasowe Recreation Centre Car Park
All images and information used with kind permission from Wirral Police/Merseyside Police.