Eye on Southport
Southport community, safety and local updates
Here is today’s Southport briefing, with community remembrance, local safety updates, business news and efforts to support vulnerable people.
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Five jailed over vehicle theft conspiracy in Southport and West Lancashire
Five men have been jailed for conspiring to steal around 40 vehicles across West Lancashire and Merseyside between January and November 2025. The defendants pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court, receiving sentences ranging from 22 months to three years and eight months following an Operation Warrior investigation.
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Southport prepares to mark 29th July with silence and reflection
Sefton Council is asking residents to mark Wednesday 29 July with a three-minute silence at 3pm, while flags on public buildings will be lowered to half-mast. People are encouraged to choose reflective spaces, prayer, candles or quiet time, and to donate to local causes instead of leaving floral tributes.
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Southport Ocean Plaza Brewers Fayre to close in early September
The Brewers Fayre at Ocean Plaza is expected to close permanently in September 2026. Customers have until Monday 31 August to use Bonus Club points. The closure follows Whitbread’s plan to leave the standalone restaurant market, with some sites being converted to Premier Inn rooms and others sold.
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Task force targets drug crime and speeding across West Lancashire
West Lancashire Task Force officers report that one drug driver was banned for 17 months, two people were charged with supplying a Class B drug, and a Domestic Violence Protection Order was secured. Speed checks also took place at locations in Halsall, Winniford Lane and Houghton.
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Sefton Council urges residents to report signs of modern slavery
Sefton Council is urging residents to recognise possible signs of exploitation, including cramped accommodation, poor working conditions, controlling behaviour and physical or psychological abuse. Concerns can be reported to the Council’s Safeguarding team, Merseyside Police or the Modern Slavery and Exploitation helpline.
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Operation Vulture highlighted during Lancashire retail crime events
Lancashire Police and partners held action days in supermarkets to offer crime prevention advice, engage with shoppers and retailers, and promote Operation Vulture. A new leaflet highlights support for people whose circumstances may contribute to shoplifting or anti-social behaviour, alongside wider work through the Safer Lancashire Business Partnership.
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