This is the new birkenhead.news weekly round-up of Merseyside Police activity in Wirral during the previous seven days.
Hate Crime Awareness campaign
On Saturday 16 January, Merseyside Police promoted a Hate Crime Awareness campaign at retail Parks throughout Wirral. They displayed some artwork that local primary school children made for a poster design competition relating to the subject.
Officers on patrol
On Sunday, 17 January, Wirral Police said that officers were out on patrol across Wirral the previous nignt. The photo shows officers conducting a check of an area known for Anti-Social Behaviour near to Charing Cross, Birkenhead.
Operation Georgia
Wirral Police Officers visitied essential shops and supermarkets across the region as part of Operation Georgia, The Merseyside Police Response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Wirral Police said, “We will be checking the locations and ensuring members of the public are adhering to the current regulations and guidelines. We will also be supporting shop staff in their efforts to keep everyone safe in stores.Please spread the word, and not the Virus!”
Eastham vehicle crime
Wirral Police reported that there had been a number of vehicle crimes in the Eastham area over the weekend.
This included insecure vehicles being targeted and items stolen from within.
Wirral Police said, “Please ensure your cars are locked and no valuables are on show. We also urge you to report any suspicious activity you may witness. You know if something doesn’t look right. We will increase patrols in the area throughout this week.”
Volkswagen driver sought after incident were horse died
On Monday, 18 January, Merseyside Police made an appeal for information following an incident in Thingwall, near to the Bassett Hound pub, on Saturday 16 January at around 2.50pm.
Two teenage girls were riding horses, when one of their horses became spooked and bolted into a post, unseating its rider. The horse sadly died as a result of its injuries.
A silver Volkswagen car sped past the icident, despite signals from the riders to slow down. This caused the other horse to bolt and it sustained critical injuries.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Merseyside Police via DM on Twitter @MerPolCC, ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook or call 101 with reference number 21000033484.
Still missing – Wirral woman, Carol Mighall
Merseyside Police is reappealed for help in finding a 51-year-old Wirral woman who is missing from home.
Carol Mighall was last seen in Rodney Street, Birkenhead, at 4.40pm on Monday 4 January.
Another e-scooter seized
On Monday 18 January, Merseyside Police seized an electric scooter on Grange Road Birkenhead. They said, “These vehicles are dangerous and are being used in crime. We will continue take them off the road and reduce the risk to other road users.”
Merseyside Police in recruitment drive for officers
Merseyside Police has announced that based on government funding, the force is able to reopen its police officer recruitment lines.
Merseyside Police warn of Facebook money scam
Following an increase in scam reports, Merseyside Police is urging people to ensure their social media accounts are secure.
A sophisticated Facebook scam sees hackers gain access to a victim’s social media account, before messaging their contacts requesting either a short-term loan to help to pay a bill or purchase an item – usually between £200 to £400.
COVID-19 vaccine scam warning
On Tuseday 19 January, Merseyside Police warned of a COVID-19 vaccine scam.
A police statement said, “Remember that COVID-19 vaccinations are free.
The NHS will never arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine. Nor will they will never ask for banking info.”
JCB dumper stolen from Heswall
Wirral Police issued an appeal for information regarding this JCB which was stolen from Banks Road, Heswall on 18 January at about 17:30 hours. These photos show the exact vehicle
Ways to report crime to Wirral Police
On Thursday 21 January, Wirral Police issued a statement regarding reoprting crime and in particular posts in community groups on Facebook.
The statement said, “We are seeing a number of posts in local community Facebook groups on subjects ranging from rogue traders to people acting suspiciously around vehicles or property.Its great to see that you are taking care of your own community. However in order for us to prioritise where we send our patrols we need you to also report your concerns to us. This will also help us with intelligence gathering and with the correct recording of crimes in your area. You can now quickly make Non-emergency crime reports by direct messaging the Merseyside Police Contact Centre account on Facebook.Alternatively you can also report non-emergency reports via 101, online at: https://crowd.in/Rp5gSq , by direct messaging the @MerPolCC account on Twitter or give information anonymously via Crimestoppers online at: https://crowd.in/5UK3ar or by phoning 0800 555 111In an emergency always call 999.”
Still Missing – Wirral man, Uyapo Hayunga-Macha
On Thursday 21 January, Wirral Police officers were in Birkenhead as part of ongoing enquiries to trace missing Uyapo Hayunga-Macha, also known as Theodore, who hasn’t been seen since 4th December. Have you seen him? DM @MerPolCC or @missingpeople with sightings.
150 bags of crack cocaine and heroin found
On the evening of Thursday 19 January, a male made off from officers into a 1 bedroom flat on the Woodlands in Birkenhead. On investigation, officers found found a gathering of 8 people inside, 1 of whom identified himself as being COVID-19 positive. As a result all persons present at the address were issued with fines and the gathering was dispersed.
Prior to leaving the address, the Officers made a search of the rear grounds of the flat and around 150 bags of crack cocaine and heroin were located having been thrown from the building.
A Merseyside Police statement said, “Drug dealing in this area is bringing misery to the local community and we are determined to take action against those involved.”
Operation Target: Man arrested as drugs recovered
On Thursday 21 January, Merseyside Police yesterday arrested a 29-year-old man on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs following a warrant at an address on Harcourt Street, Birkenhead.
This is part of an ongoing strategy called Operation Target which targets serious and violent crime across Merseyside.
Serious RTC on M53
On Saturday 23 January, Merseyside Police reported that there had been a serious RTC near junction 5 on the M53.
At about 9.20am a car left the carriageway, forcing police to close junction 5 and put diversions in place.
Sadly, the driver pronounced dead at the scene.
The man’s next of kin have been informed and are being suppoby Roads Policing officers.
All images and information used with kind permission from Wirral Police/Merseyside Police.