Personal robbery reduced by 63% during week of action by Merseyside Police

Earlier this month, officers from across the force took part in a week-long initiative targeting personal robbery, resulting in a 63% decrease in personal robbery offences.

Operation Calibre ran from Monday 6 November to Sunday 12, November and saw forces across the country focus on education, engagement, prevention, and enforcement.

The operation complements a significant programme of work undertaken by officers across the force every day to tackle robbery and serious violence.   

High visibility patrols in ‘hotspot’ robbery locations and warrants led to a 63% reduction of personal robbery offences (down from 30 to 11) compared to the same period in 2022.

During the operation, officers undertook land searches, set up knife arches to detect concealed weapons and conducted high visibility patrols in known hotspot areas.

The latest crime data is used to map out the hotspot areas in Merseyside, where and when the most crime occurs. Patrols are undertaken in these areas, to target known offenders and protect those most vulnerable to violence and exploitation.

Four suspects wanted for robbery offences were tracked down by local policing teams during the week, resulting in them being arrested.

A 56-year-old man from Old Swan, a 36-year-old man from Bebington, a 19-year-old man and a 51-year-old man from Kirkby were arrested on suspicion of robbery. They have been released on bail.

The week of action also focused on prevention, including engagement with charities, schools, local businesses, and many other partners.

More than 200 officers were trained on E-bike legislation and how to use the Bike Register to assist in investigating bike thefts and returning lost and stolen cycles to their rightful owners.

A bike registration project, launched in Wirral, continues to go from strength to strength. The project has led to 438 bikes being registered since July 2023 and is due to be rolled out soon to other areas in Merseyside. Bikes registered through an official bike marking scheme are 83% less likely to be stolen.

The force’s partnership with Bike Register has resulted in a number of stolen bikes being returned to their rightful owners, some with an extremely high retail value. 

Officers are also working closely with local bike shops to provide them with official Bike Register marking kits, so new bikes can be registered at the point of sale. This aims to increase the number of bikes in the area with a visible deterrent to bike thieves.

Inspector Laura Leach, deputy lead for Serious Violence and Knife Crime said: “We know how upsetting being a victim of robbery can be and this is why we are committed to protecting members of the public from these criminals.

“Thanks to the hard work of officers during this week of action, we have seen a 63% reduction in personal robbery offences compared to the same period last year. This is significant as it means less victims of robbery, which can be a frightening experience.

“Proactive patrols, operations and other activity has seen officers track down wanted suspects in relation to robbery offences and secure arrests.

“This week of action gives us the opportunity to spotlight this issue and show some of the work being done all year round to tackle robbery and serious violence in our communities.

“We continue to undertake preventative work with partners and local businesses to deliver long-lasting change, including the Bike Register partnership which is seeing some great results in Wirral.

“We would ask the public to remain vigilant and visit our website - Personal safety: how to stay safe | Merseyside Police for tips and advice on how to stay safe, especially leading up to the festive period. If you do become a victim of a robbery, please report it to us straight away by calling 999 in an emergency or 101.”