Today, Merseyside Police officers and staff have been carrying out Operation Vanguard in Netherton.

Residents have seen officers from teams including Matrix, County Lines specialists, the Regional Organised Crime Unit, Roads Policing and CID. Police horses and dog teams have also been in the area.

Members of Sefton Council’s Communities and Enforcement teams were also there supporting the operation and talking to local residents.

Harming local communities through crime

Through Operation Vanguard, officers have taken action against people suspected of harming local communities through crime.

Operation Vanguard shows Chief Constable Rob Carden’s commitment to tackling crime.

Clear message

At a briefing about Operation Vanguard this morning, the Chief Constable said: “This operation involves a large number of officers using different policing methods. It sends a clear message that we will not tolerate crime.

“If you are involved in crime, you are not welcome here. Today’s activity shows how determined we are to protect our communities from harm.

“If you sell drugs, carry weapons, or harm vulnerable people, we will work hard to find you.”

Warrants

Chief Constable Carden said that officers had carried out 28 warrants so far. Throughout the day, Roads Policing teams would stop vehicles suspected of being linked to crime. He said action would be taken against drink and drug drivers, and against anyone using the roads to commit crime.

He said officers would also identify vulnerable people who have been taken advantage of by criminals and help them get support from other organisations.

A safer place

Netherton North councillor Carla Thomas said: “We are here today with Merseyside Police and partner organisations. We are working together to protect our community and make Netherton a safer place.”

The Chief Constable added: “Our work will continue into the evening, supported by colleagues from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit, local councils and other partners.

“Mobile police stations are in place, and I would encourage anyone with questions, concerns or information to speak to our officers.

“Today’s activity shows that we will not accept crime anywhere in Merseyside.

“Our message is clear. We do not want crime in our communities and we will keep taking action against those responsible.”

Committed

Cllr Liz Dowd, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnership Engagement, said: “Initiatives such as today’s Operation Vanguard are an opportunity to show that Merseyside Police, Sefton Council and community organisations are committed to combating crime, but also to let local people know we are there to provide them with help and support.

“While Operation Vanguard is high-profile over one-day initiative, I can assure people in Sefton that our work with Merseyside Police and other partners to combat crime and antisocial behaviour and make ensure they feel safe and are safe, continues every day.”

Help prevent crime

If you have information that could help Merseyside Police prevent crime in your area, please get in touch so we can take action and help keep local communities safe.

You can do this by calling 101 or contacting Merseyside Police on social media @MerPolCC. You can also report information online at www.merseyside.police.uk .

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously .

In an emergency, always call 999.