Six months after its launch on 9th June 2025, Merseyside Police’s Southport Town Centre Team is proving its value in tackling issues that matter most to local communities.
Established to address persistent retail crime and anti-social behaviour, the team has maintained a strong presence and delivered tangible results.
The team, made up of 1 Sergeant, 7 Constables, and 3 PCSOs, was created to tackle issues that matter most to the community, including retail crime, anti-social behaviour, and serious violence offences. Six months on, the results speak for themselves:
- 84 arrests for offences including shoplifting, handling stolen goods, assaults, domestic violence, and drug-related crime
- 156 stop searches
Other notable results include:
- Arrests for breaching Criminal Behaviour Orders due to continued offending
- Rapid response to shoplifting incidents, speeding up investigations and returning stolen property, often before stores were aware
- A successful Possession with Intent to Supply case in Kings Gardens, where an offender was dealing drugs near the big wheel
- Resolving issues in a block of flats by identifying and addressing the problem property impacting residents
- Numerous prison recalls and arrests of individuals wanted on warrants
- Numerous voluntary interviews conducted
Inspector Graham Fisher, Sefton Neighbourhood Policing, said: “Our officers have worked hard to target those causing the most harm and to build strong relationships with local businesses and residents. These results show the impact of having a visible, proactive policing presence in the town centre. We’re committed to continuing this work and making Southport a safer place for everyone.”
The team works closely with partners including Sefton Council, Southport BID, and Light for Life, using a problem-solving approach to address local concerns and prevent crime.
Thanks to Home Office funding, several new initiatives will be introduced in the coming months, including:
• Youth outreach and evening sessions
• Extra CCTV around the train station
• Additional projects to reduce serious violence and anti-social behaviour
These measures form part of a wider strategy to enhance public confidence and reduce crime. They support Merseyside Police’s Winter of Action, which is taking place between 1 December and 31 January 2026. The Winter of Action is a major policing push to keep communities and town centres safe during and beyond the festive season by tackling crime, reassuring communities, and ensuring our high streets are welcoming and safe for everyone.
Report crime or suspicious behaviour:
- Call 101 or visit merseyside.police.uk
- Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
- In an emergency, always dial 999
The team continues to encourage residents and businesses to report suspicious activity and engage with officers on patrol.
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