Merseyside Police introduces new multi-agency partnership tactic to tackle serious and organised crime in the area.

Merseyside Police is rolling out a multi-agency partnership tactic called Clear, Hold, Build, which has been designed and part-funded by the Home Office to rescue and regenerate areas most affected by serious and organised crime.

The three-phase initiative, known locally as EVOLVE, uses a combination of targeted high-visibility police operations and covert policing tactics alongside activity from partners and input from residents to protect our communities and prevent organised crime groups from operating.

What?

The strategy sees police ruthlessly pursue gang members using all available powers and tactics to clear an area; continue activity to hold the location, so another gang can’t take control in the vacuum; and then work with residents and partners to build the community into a more prosperous area where people would love to live, work and visit and one less susceptible to being exploited by organised crime groups.

Where?

EVOLVE projects are taking place in areas of Wirral, Liverpool, Knowsley and Sefton.

When?

This is a long-term project and work will be continuous.

Why?

Implementing this holistic approach will make it more difficult for organised crime groups to operate. It will disrupt their activity and their incomes, and will help to protect those living, visiting and working in Merseyside. It will also assist those vulnerable to manipulation by gangs. By working together and listening to residents’ needs, EVOLVE will regenerate areas blighted by serious and organised crime and will allow residents to reclaim their communities, building long-term resilience against organised crime groups and help prevent future threats to safety.

How?

Partners will work closely to share information and identify hot spots that need regeneration as well as targeted activity to remove and disrupt organised crime groups. In addition, partners will provide advice and services, in particular to those in need of assistance who may struggle to access help. Areas that will be focussed on include: the living, working and recreational environment for residents, opportunities for young people, help with employment, assistance to access funding, health issues, crime prevention and security advice.

Events will also be held with community groups that will provide opportunities for input from residents to determine how partners can best help and support communities.

Who?

Partners involved in EVOLVE include Merseyside Police, Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner, local councils, Merseyside Fire and Rescue, housing associations, health services, schools, colleges, local businesses, community groups and residents.

For more information: follow @MerseyPolice on Twitter and Facebook.

Anyone with any information about crime in their area is asked to contact Merseyside Police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always call 999.