Concerning rise in crime 'not normal' for Rainford, say councillors

Rainford made national news headlines over the weekend after a "significant amount" of criminal damage was caused by a group of trespassers, forcing the school to close today (Monday, November 27).

With social media videos appearing to show the damage taking place inside the school, two teenagers have since been arrested, but this is only the latest incident that has happened around the usually quiet village.

READ > Two injured as police car involved in crash on St Helens road

A video on social media has circulated appearing to show the school break in (Image: Contributed)
In September, thieves are reported to have broken into the Co-op along Church Road in the early hours of Monday, September 25, and stole the mini supermarket's cash boxes.

Earlier this month, a gang of burglars dressed all in black were were reported to have targeted the Post Office along Ormskirk Road, carrying a sledgehammer to break into the premises.

Police say the group left the scene having stolen a large pack of seasonal stamps.

In addition to this, a group of youths are reported to have "attempted to damage property" along Church Road in October.

Officers said that the group became "threatening" and "verbally abused" a business owner, with one youth allegedly spitting at the owner.

Police also reported that further episodes of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage was reported in Rainford last week, causing damage worth hundreds of pounds.

Police say that the suspects are reported to be a group of mid-to-late teenage boys and girls.

A young suspect is also said to still be under investigation after a man was reportedly shot in the leg outside the Golden Lion pub on Church Road last summer.

Crimes 'not normal' for quiet village

The clean-up operation at Rainford High (Image: Rainford High)

With Rainford usually known for its leafy surroundings, good schools, and healthy mix of pubs, restaurants and cafes, there has been growing concern about the rise of crimes in the village.

Speaking about the episodes of criminal damage and anti-social behaviour, Rainford councillor John Case, said: "Councillor Linda Mussell and I are very concerned about the recent spate of incidents of anti-social behaviour, vandalism and crime in Rainford.

"This is not normal for our quiet village and many of the residents of Rainford are understandably worried about these incidents.

"The break in and vandalism at Rainford High School is not acceptable and the damage and disruption caused due to the mindless vandalism, which has caused the school to close today is totally unacceptable.

"This has caused disruption to both children and their parents [and] we fully support the head master, Ian Young, who has acted swiftly and responsibly to minimise this disruption. 

"We share our residents' concerns about the recent break ins and thefts at the Post Office and the Cooperative Store in Rainford Village and we are working closely with Merseyside Police and the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner. 

"The police have our full support and we are hopeful that the culprits will be caught and that Rainford will soon return to our more normal peaceful state."

Behaviour 'shouldn't be tolerated'

Residents have grown increasingly concerned about the number of incidents in Rainford (Image: Contributed)

Speaking about the recent incidents, Community Policing Inspector Stacey Pope said: “We are aware of increased reports of anti-social behaviour and criminal activity caused by youths in the Rainford area over the past few weeks.

“In response, patrols have been stepped up in the area and local residents will notice more officers in the community as we offer reassurance to those who need it.

“Offences including trespassing, causing damage and breaking into premises can be extremely dangerous and reckless. It’s also placing demand on emergency services as we have been called out to deal with a number of incidents in recent weeks.

“One incident included a reported break-in at Rainford High School on Saturday, November 25 when damage was caused inside the building. We take these reports extremely seriously and following enquiries we arrested a 12-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl from St Helens on suspicion of burglary.

“No parent wants the police to be knocking on their door because their child has committed a crime.

“The actions of children, or anyone, who commits anti-social behaviour or more serious offences won’t be tolerated and we would ask parents to play their part in ensuring their children don’t end up on the wrong side of the law. I would urge parents to make sure they know where their children are when they are out and about in the local community.

“Furthermore, if parents are aware that their child has committed an offence, they should do the right thing and contact us.”

If you have any information, DM @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook or ring 101 to report any crimes.