HIGH-visibility hotspot patrols across Merseyside have led to a 'significant decrease' in serious violence and antisocial behaviour, according to figures published today (Monday, July 15).

Merseyside Police data for April to June for hotspot policing, shows serious violence has fallen by 47.9% in hotspot areas with 68 fewer offences recorded against the same period the year before. Antisocial behaviour has fallen by 18.8% with 123 fewer incidents recorded. All crime in hotspot areas is down by 15.4%.

According to the statistics, police have completed more than 2,000 foot patrol visits to hotspot areas, made possible through funding from the Home Office.

Superintendent Phil Mullally, Merseyside Police Force's lead for serious violence and knife crime, said: "These positive results from the first three months of hotspot patrols in 2024 are encouraging and show our ongoing commitment to preventing serious violence.

"We know hotspot patrols have proven to be an effective way of driving down crime. Last year, we saw a 29% reduction in serious violent crime with 143 fewer victims in the areas we targeted.

“Feedback from residents and local businesses within the hotspot areas has been very positive – we know people want to see more officers in their neighbourhood. Through hotspot patrols, we will maintain a highly visible presence in the areas where it is needed most to deter criminality.”

Local policing inspector Andy Robinson, lead for antisocial behaviour, said: "These reductions aren’t just numbers – they really mean something for people’s lives.

"That difference could be an elderly person feeling confident enough to go and wait at a bus stop for a medical appointment; a shift worker finally getting some uninterrupted sleep, or a mum feeling comfortable taking her toddler to the park by herself for the first time.

"Hotspot policing is confirmed to run until March 2025, so we want to keep up this momentum and continue to drive down antisocial behaviour, which we know can have a negative impact on communities.”

Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “These figures are hugely encouraging and a great testament to the work our local police teams are doing in these hotspot areas. But we won’t stop here – tackling serious violence and antisocial behaviour remains a priority for our communities, so that means it is a priority for me, for Merseyside Police and for our partner organisations.

“We know ASB can also have a hugely damaging effect on the people who witness and experience it. If that behaviour becomes persistent then the consequences can become devastating for communities and the people who live there.

"That’s why it’s a real focus and by having a visible police force, putting officers and PCSOs into these hotspot areas, we are able to provide greater community reassurance as well as that deterrent.

“To support this proactive police tactic, I also recently launched the Youth Empowerment Scheme with Merseyside’s Violence Reduction Partnership to give community groups, charities and third sectors groups in the areas of Merseyside which have seen the highest levels of violence and the biggest cuts to youth services, a chance to bid for a share of £500,000 to run positive projects and programmes over the next year. We had a huge number of bids, and we will be making an announcement shortly about the projects we will be funding to give young people the opportunity to gain valuable skills and qualifications, build confidence and make positive decisions for the future.

“I look forward to seeing how these programmes, coupled with the ongoing commitment of our local police teams to prevent and reduce serious violence and ASB, will help to create even safer, happier communities across Merseyside.”