22 arrested as police fight back after Liverpool city centre crimewave – Liverpool Echo

Twenty two people have now been arrested in a massive drive to end a crimewave hitting some of Liverpool city centres busiest streets.

A month-long crackdown has seen police target those suspected of raiding shops and restaurants from Dale Street to Bold Street , with eight charged on suspicion of burglary.

The arrests follow fears raised by business owners that they are seen as easy targets by thieves aiming for their stock and hard-won earnings.

In a statement issued today, Merseyside Police announced 22 people had been arrested since April 10 as part of a probe into crimes against city centre businesses.

Of those 22, 13 were arrested on suspicion of burglary and eight have been charged and appeared before the courts.

Others were arrested for offences including being drunk and disorderly, possession of a controlled drug, affray and possession with intent to supply.

The action follows a spate of break-ins at restaurants and bars across the area.

Among the worst hit streets is Dale Street, where the Dead Crafty Beer Company and the Delkery restaurant have both been raided several times in recent months.

On the other side of the city centre, on Bold Street, recent break-ins at Koop, Bakchich and Crust have sparked proposals for safety wardens to be hired and frustration aimed at the Liverpool Business Improvement District (BID).

The BID currently represents 630 city centre firms and aims to support and improve the business trading environment in the city centre. Its work is paid for in part by a levy on the firms it represents.

In its statement today, Merseyside Police sought to reassure business owners and said a community policing team had been patrolling the area and providing shops with security advice.

Plain clothes and uniformed officers have also been patrolling some of the main city centre streets to identify those responsible for committing such offences.

The force also said its crackdown had been carried out in partnership with the BID.

Superintendent Mark Wiggins said: Business burglaries are not victimless crimes, many of these businesses are local people who just want to earn a living.

It is in everyones interest to solve and prevent these crimes against businesses that provide a vital service to our communities.

Liverpool city centre, has continued, year on year, to be awarded with Purple Flag status, and is consistently recognised as one of the safest cities in the UK.

We will continue to work hard with our partners to ensure the city remains a safe place, with a good reputation which encourages people to continue to enjoy what the city has to offer. Our primary aim is to protect the public and ensure they have an enjoyable time in a safe environment and the recent arrests we have made demonstrates our commitment in dealing with these issues.

We will also continue to work with our local businesses and communities to deter and prevent business burglaries and would welcome any information from the community.

Anybody with information is urged to contact Merseyside Police on 101 or the confidential Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111.

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22 arrested as police fight back after Liverpool city centre crimewave - Liverpool Echo