Police issue 47 warnings over antisocial behaviour across Sefton
Officers in Sefton have used a range of preventative orders and powers over the past 12 months to tackle antisocial behaviour, protect communities and prevent repeat offending.
The proactive approach has seen officers make extensive use of Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs), Community Protection Warnings (CPWs), Community Protection Notices (CPNs), dispersal powers and closure orders to address behaviour that causes harm, distress and disruption to local residents.
Over the last year, 26 Criminal Behaviour Orders have been secured against individuals involved in offences including assault, disorder, drink-related antisocial behaviour, retail crime, arson, public order offences and drug supply.
Criminal Behaviour Orders are tailored to an offender's behaviour and offending history, placing specific conditions on an individual for a set period of time. The orders are designed to deter further offending, with breaches often resulting in stronger penalties before the courts.
A number of offenders who have breached their orders have subsequently received custodial sentences ranging from 10 to 22 weeks, while others have been made subject to alcohol treatment and rehabilitation requirements.
Officers have also issued 47 Community Protection Warnings, predominantly for street-based antisocial behaviour associated with public drinking and aggressive begging. Community Protection Warnings are intended to address behaviour at an early stage and encourage individuals to make positive changes before formal enforcement action becomes necessary.
The effectiveness of this early intervention approach is reflected in the fact that only 10 Community Protection Notices were required following the warnings issued. A Community Protection Warning must be issued before a Community Protection Notice can be considered, and the low number of notices suggests that many individuals altered their behaviour following the initial warning.
The force has also successfully used closure powers to address persistent issues affecting local communities. In one case, a property linked to ongoing antisocial behaviour generated 13 reports to police in the three months prior to closure, including incidents involving a slashing, the use of nitrous oxide, repeated noise nuisance and groups gathering at the address causing concern to residents.
Following the issuing of a closure notice, reports reduced significantly, with only two further calls received. Since a full closure order was obtained, no further incidents have been reported, bringing much-needed relief to local residents.
This activity forms part of Merseyside Police's wider commitment to preventing antisocial behaviour and intervening early to stop issues from escalating.
To support this work, the force has established a dedicated Preventative Orders Team, which works alongside neighbourhood policing teams and partner agencies to maximise the use of available powers and protect communities from persistent offenders.
Many of these orders require robust evidence and, in some cases, court approval before they can be implemented. They are therefore used as part of a proportionate and evidence-led approach that seeks to prevent harm, support victims and address the root causes of persistent antisocial behaviour.
The work is further strengthened through the Merseyside Antisocial Behaviour Partnership, a regional taskforce bringing together more than 20 organisations to take a coordinated approach to tackling antisocial behaviour. Through increased information sharing, joint problem-solving and the collective use of enforcement powers, partners are working together to protect victims, prevent offending and improve the quality of life for communities across Merseyside.
Merseyside Antisocial Behaviour Partnership Chair, Chief Superintendent Karl Baldwin, said:“Antisocial behaviour can have a significant impact on individuals, families and communities, which is why we are committed to using every available power to tackle it.
"Prevention orders allow us to address issues at an early stage, protect those affected and, where necessary, place robust restrictions on individuals whose behaviour is causing harm to others.
"The results we've seen across Sefton demonstrate the value of this approach. In many cases, early intervention through warnings and engagement has been enough to change behaviour, while more serious or persistent offenders have faced stronger enforcement action through the courts.
"This is not something policing can tackle alone. Working closely with our partners through the Merseyside Antisocial Behaviour Partnership means we can share information, coordinate activity and use a range of powers to achieve the best outcomes for our communities.”
Residents are encouraged to report antisocial behaviour online or via101. Reporting incidents helps police and partners build an accurate picture of the issues affecting local areas, enabling targeted action to be taken and helping to prevent further offending.
