Formby man one of 12 arrested for various crimes

Police arrested 12 people, carried out 70 stop searches and seized weapons, including a machete, during increased policing activity in north Liverpool.

Over the past 48 hours, there has been a Dispersal Order as well as a Section 60 and 60AA following recent reports of anti-social behaviour and criminality in the area.

During this time, there has been more officers on patrol to provide reassurance to our communities and reduce further incidents.

On Wednesday 19 August, officers spotted two males on an e-bike on Rice Lane who had been riding dangerously on pavements. The suspects tried to flee and abandoned the bike while attempting to hide in a nearby garden.

Officers soon detained two males and seized an axe and machete. A 16-year-old boy from Liverpool was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, possession of cannabis, theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving and driving without a licence.

A 14-year-old boy from Maghull was arrested on suspicion of possession of a knife/blade/sharp pointed article in a public place, criminal damage, dangerous driving, driving without a licence and theft of a motor vehicle.

They have both been conditionally bailed pending further enquiries.

See below for more positive results during the past two days:

• On Thursday 20 August, two people on an e-bike were stopped on Hartley Avenue and found to be in possession of snap bags of cannabis. An 18-year-old man from Walton and a 19-year-old woman from Bootle were both arrested on suspicion of conspiring to supply a controlled Class B drug (cannabis). They both remain in police custody.
  
  

• On Wednesday 19 August, officers on patrol saw a group of males on Rice Lane who were wearing balaclavas and in possession of what appeared to be a bladed weapon. They ran away but a knife was found hidden behind a bin. Following inquiries, two 15-year-old boys from Liverpool were arrested nearby on suspicion of possession of a knife/blade/sharp pointed article in a public place and possession of nitrous oxide for wrongful inhalation. They have both been released under investigation pending further enquiries.
  
  

• A driver of a car was stopped at the junction of Melling Avenue and Greenwich Road on Wednesday 19 August due to his suspicious behaviour and cannabis was found inside the vehicle. Michael Sands, 38, of Smithy Green, in Formby, has been charged with possession of a controlled Class B drug (cannabis) and failing to provide a specimen for analysis. He appeared at Wirral Magistrate’s Court yesterday (Thursday 20 August) and was bailed with his next court appearance in November.

• Officers pro-actively carried out 70 stop searches on individuals with the aim of reducing incidents of violence and anti-social behaviour.

Lower Lane Neighbourhood Inspector Sean Harrison said: “These results should send a clear message to anyone carrying weapons, dealing drugs, or engaging in criminality in our communities that we will take robust action and bring offenders before the courts.

“The recovery of balaclavas and dangerous weapons, including a machete, axe and kitchen knife, demonstrates why these powers are sometimes necessary to protect the public and prevent harm.

“Our officers will continue to work relentlessly to disrupt criminal activity, target those who pose a risk to others, and keep our neighbourhoods safe. The additional powers were put in place in response to concerns raised by local residents and I would encourage the public to continue reporting issues to us.

“The information provided by our communities is vital and helps us take proactive action. By working together, we can make our neighbourhoods safer places for everyone.”