MORE than 20 people were arrested on Wirral over the New Year weekend in an ongoing crackdown on "serious and organised crime". 

In total, 56 stop searches were conducted and six vehicles were also seized throughout the bank holiday weekend.

One incident included two teenage boys arrested on suspicion of taking a vehicle without consent in Upton Meadow road at around 6pm yesterday evening (Monday, January 2). Both suspects remain in custody.

Two men from Liverpool were charged following a burglary at a shop in New Brighton.

Stephen Blackmore, 32, of St Anne Street, Liverpool and Darren Fleming, 41, of Ranelagh Place, Liverpool were charged with burglary after two men were found on the premises in New Brighton.

They were remanded into custody on Monday, January 2.

A 40-year-old man from Birkenhead was arrested on suspicion of drug driving after he was stopped by patrols on Grange Road West on Monday night. He has now been released under investigation.

A 29-year-old man from Wirral was also charged with dangerous driving.

Jack Drake was charged with dangerous driving following an incident on Hoole Road in Woodchurch.

He was remanded into custody today (Tuesday, January 3) and will appear at Wirral Magistrates Court on Tuesday, January 24.

An 18-year-old man from Beechwood and 31-year-old man from Egremont were arrested on suspicion of drug offences following stop checks on Farmfield Drive in Prenton and Merlin Road, Birkenhead early this morning.

Both suspects remain in custody.

Chief Inspector Tom Welch of Wirral Community Policing said: "These arrests and charges are part of our ongoing police operation to target criminals involved in serious and organised crime in Wirral.

"Our recent progress in the new year to disrupt those involved in serious organised crime and drug offences on the Wirral not only sees enforcement activity such as open land searches, warrants, arrests and stop searches continue but also sees more officers speaking with residents and providing extra patrols to pubs and businesses in the area.

"We hope this type of intervention will prevent any further crimes in the area following the cold-blooded murder of Elle Edwards on Christmas Eve and reiterates that violence and intimidation has no place in our communities.

"If you have any concerns about anti-social behaviour or criminality in your area please contact Merseyside Police or speak with our officers who are out on patrol in Wirral or inspecting the various licensed premises so we can take action."

Anyone who has information about drug dealing in the community, where weapons are being stored or who is using them can contact Merseyside Police by sending a DM to @MerPolCC, calling 101 or contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.