LAND searches have taken place on Wirral as part of an ongoing campaign urging people to break their silence about gang-related activity.

Two burned-out motorbikes were found during Saturday's searches on the Beechwood estate.

The action was part of the 'Silence is Not an Option' campaign, a Merseyside-wide initiative which is focused on changing attitudes towards reporting gang-related activity and increasing intelligence reports to Crimestoppers via a bespoke page created to anonymously report serious and organised crime in Merseyside.

Wirral Globe: Police officers carried out land searches on Beechwood estate on Saturday (September 30)Police officers carried out land searches on Beechwood estate on Saturday (September 30) (Image: Merseyside Police)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.

The campaign builds on the call to action of silence is not an option following the murder of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel last August 22, which saw a vast amount of information come from the community that ultimately led to the conviction of Thomas Cashman for her murder.

Cashman was given a life sentence with a minimum term of 42 years on April 3, 2023.

As part of the campaign, police held a day of action on Saturday (September 30) that saw officers across the EVOLVE areas carry out land searches; high visibility patrols; traffic operations checking for drink or drug driving, document and speeding offences; patrols on quad bikes of parks and open spaces known for anti-social behaviour; stop searches; and enforcement of suspected OCG members’ bail conditions.

Merseyside's Assistant Chief Constable Jon Roy, whose portfolio oversees EVOLVE, said: "Following the fatal shootings of five people in Merseyside in 2022, we have been relentlessly pursuing justice for their families.

"Innocent lives have been torn apart by gang culture but together we can stop it. You need to ask yourself what would you do if you could stop lives being ruined? Stay quiet? Or speak up?

"We understand it might be difficult coming forward to the police, especially if you are concerned about gun or gang crime or live in an area particularly affected by it.

"However, you can contact Crimestoppers 100% anonymously. They do not ask for a caller's name or record the call and they do not track IP addresses or locations when information is submitted online.

"Your information can make a real difference for generations to come."

The campaign forms part of the Clear, Hold, Build partnership work Merseyside Police and partners are engaged in to rid Merseyside of Organised Crime Groups and to rebuild communities that have been most-affected by gang-related activity.

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 buckild 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.

EVOLVE projects are taking place in areas of Wirral, Liverpool, Knowsley and Sefton. This is a long-term project and work will be continuous.

Councillor Helen Cameron, chair of Wirral Council's tourism, communities, culture and leisure committee, said: "Some of the most high-profile and shocking violent crimes have taken place in Wirral in recent times and there is a sense of feeling in our communities that enough is enough.

"As part of EVOLVE Wirral, the council is standing shoulder to shoulder with the police to take down these organised criminal gangs that commit violence and spread fear in parts of our community.

"Information and intelligence provided by members of the public, who see or suspect criminal activity where they live, is vital to support the police and partners in disrupting and deterring these gangs and reclaiming and rebuilding those communities on behalf of the law-abiding majority.”

To report a crime via the Crimestoppers page click here.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or Merseyside Police on 101.