This is the birkenhead.news weekly round-up of Merseyside Police activity in Wirral during the previous seven days.
Public Space Protection Orders at New Brighton and West Kirby
Wirral Police has been busy across the Hub 1 area speaking about Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs.)
In a statement, Wirral Police said, “The message seems to be getting across regarding the restrictions put in place to reduce the risk of antisocial behaviour in our beauty spots.
“On the whole, people have been complying with the PSPOs in both West Kirby and New Brighton. Please do report any breaches to us. Throughout the summer we are working in partnership with the Wirral Council ASB team, Community Patrol, MFRS outreach team, youth detached workers and many more to help make our residents and visitors feel safe.
“The main issue is large groups gathering – remember the Covid guidelines and let’s keep each other safe as restrictions are lifted.”
Merseyside Police welcomes new Chief Constable
Serena Kennedy has taken up her new role as Chief Constable of Merseyside Police.
Chief Constable Kennedy has 27 years of policing experience behind her and she joined Merseyside Police as an Assistant Chief Constable in 2017 and was promoted to Deputy Chief Constable in October 2018.
Chief Constable Kennedy, explained: “I joined Merseyside Police four years ago and I am incredibly proud to have been given the opportunity to lead the force and build on the strong foundations laid by my predecessors.
“Merseyside Police is the best performing force in the country and I am determined that the people of Merseyside continue to have a police service that puts them at the heart of everything it does.”
Specialist drugs and firearms team launched in new law enforcement partnership
A specialist team has been set up by the National Crime Agency and Merseyside Police to tackle high risk organised crime groups bringing drugs and firearms into the region.
The Merseyside Organised Crime Partnership formally launches today with the principal objective of protecting the public by stopping the flow of firearms and drugs into Merseyside’s criminal markets and County Lines networks.
Merseyside’s OCP is funded under Project Adder – Government money for targeted drugs enforcement combined with enhanced treatment and recovery services.
The joint team, which will be based in Merseyside, comprises NCA and Merseyside Police investigators and will build on the pioneering work to disrupt serious and organised crime including Operation Venetic – the UK law enforcement response to the takedown of encrypted comms platform EncroChat. Operation Venetic has led to more than 90 arrests on Merseyside and more than 1550 across UK, as well as the seizure of guns, drugs and cash.
Man sentenced at Wirral Magistrates’ Court for assaulting police officers and security worker on Merseyrail train
A 35 year old man has been jailed for six months after punching a security guard and assaulting three police officers, following a British Transport Police investigation.
Thomas John Murphy, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to assault, criminal damage and three counts of assaulting an emergency worker.
Next of kin appeal: Peter Hope
Merseyside Police and Wirral Coroner’s Office appealed on Wednesday 14 April to find the next of kin for a Bidston man who recently passed away.
Peter Hope sadly died at his home in Boundary Road on Tuesday 6 April. He was 71. There are no suspicious circumstances. Contact Paula White on (0151) 233 0126 or email Paula.white@liverpool.gov.uk with any information to assist.
Next of kin appeal: John Stephen Williams
Merseyside Police and Liverpool and Wirral Coroner’s office issued an appeal on Wednesday 14 April, to trace the next of kin of a Wirral man.
John Stephen Williams, 61, was sadly found passed away at his home address in Dell Grove, Rock Ferry, on Friday 9 April. His death is not being treated as suspicious but he has no known next of kin.
Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Coroner’s Investigation Officer Lisa McElvogue on 0151 233 0128 or email Lisa.McElvogue@liverpool.gov.uk
Tranmere man charged on drug offences
On Wednesday 14 April, Wirral Police charged a 30-year-old Wirral man with drug offences. On Monday, 12 April, officers executed a warrant in Tranmere, detained a man and seized a quantity of cash, cocaine and cannabis at the property.
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Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner elections: Who will you vote for this May?
Merseyside will elect a new Police and Crime Commissioner on 6 May 2021. Jane Kennedy, who is the current PCC for Merseyside announced in 2019 that she would not be standing for re-election.
Police and crime commissioners (PCCs) are elected representatives with responsibility for policing in each police area in England and Wales. Each police area (with the exception of Greater London and Greater Manchester, where the directly elected mayor is the policing authority instead) elects a commissioner every four years.
The elections for PCCs was due to take place in 2020, but were postponed until 6 May 2021, due to COVID-19. In the 2016 PCC election, Merseyside had a turnout of 302,253, representing 30.2% of the voting population. Jane Kennedy was reelected taking 186,661 votes, representing 61.8% of those who voted.
Bidston man jailed for six years following international mobile encryption operation
A Wirral man has become the latest in Merseyside to be jailed in connection with an international operation targeting criminals who used a mobile encryption device to try and evade detection.
Steven Strachan, 49, of School Lane, Bidston, was sentenced to six years in prison at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday 15 April. Strachan was convicted of a conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs.
Police appeal following assault on schoolboy at New Ferry
Merseyside Police is appealing for information following the assault of a schoolboy in New Ferry on Wednesday 14 April.
At around 3.20pm, it is reported that the 11-year-old victim was walking home on New Chester Road when he was attacked by three unknown older schoolboys from St John Plessington College, Bebington. One of the males is said to have stamped on his side after he fell to the floor, and another kicked him in the leg.
Police remind public to stay vigilant to potential terrorist attacks
Merseyside Police – in collaboration with UK Counter Terrorism Policing – is urging people to be vigilant as lockdown eases across the country.
The threat to the UK from terrorism remains ‘substantial,’ meaning an attack is likely. As non-essential shops, hospitality and sports events begin to open up again, Counter Terrorism Policing has launched a new ‘Easing Lockdown Vigilance Campaign’ to encourage everyone to help the police tackle terrorism and save lives by remaining vigilant and reporting concerns.
As people begin to mix outdoors in public spaces, police are appealing to business owners and the public to support them to keep the country safe by staying alert to any suspicious circumstances, and reporting anything that does not appear right to security staff or the police.
Man charged following theft from elderly woman in Birkenhead
Merseyside Police has charged a man following a theft from an elderly woman in Birkenhead earlier this week.
At around 4.30pm on Tuesday 13 April, a woman in her 70s was at Ableworld Mobility and Stairlifts in Park Road North when she was approached by a man who reportedly asked her to change money. The victim later realised that her card had been stolen.
Teenager arrested after assault and robbery in Birkenhead
Merseyside Police has arrested a male after an assault and robbery in Birkenhead Park on Thursday 15 April.
Around 5.35pm, it was reported that the victim, a man in his 40s, was attacked by a group of males and struck around the head with a bike seat stork as he cycled into Birkenhead Park. His pedal bike was also stolen.
Officers attended the scene, and after a short pursuit into Flaybrick Cemetery a 15-year-old male from Bidston was arrested on suspicion of assault. The victim’s bike was also recovered.
Pyramids staff assist in arrest of handbag thief at Birkenhead
Wirral Target officers have arrested a male responsible for 6 handbag thefts. They were assisted by Pyramids security team and Wirral crimewatch circulation. The offender has been remanded to appear in court.
Continuing foot and cycle patrols at Birkenhead Park
Officers have been continuing to conduct foot and cycle patrols in Birkenhead Park.
A Merseyside Police statement said, “We want our community to feel safe when using this fantastic park and able to report any issues to us directly.”
West Kirby man arrested for drug possession
Wirral Police is working with their partners to keep Wirral safe across the summer period.
Due to the fine weather on Friday 16 April, there were multi-agency teams working across the areas of New Brighton and West Kirby, engaging with residents and visitors to educate them about the Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO).
In a statement, Merseyside Police said, “Our aim is to help you feel safe, to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour on Wirral. Throughout our shift, we have patrolled all the parks and open spaces. Whilst on Caldy Hill, Special Officers, who are volunteers, arrested a 25-year-old male from West Kirby on suspicion of drugs offences.
“A large amount of cannabis and drug paraphernalia were seized. Enquiries are ongoing. A man was arrested for breaching his criminal behaviour order after being found with alcohol on West Kirby beach. His friend was also issued with a PSPO ticket. An e-scooter was seized from a 25-year-old man in the Wallasey area. He will be summoned for driving offences.
For regular crime and police related updates, please visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/crimewatchwirral
All images and information used with kind permission from Wirral Police/Merseyside Police.
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