Action to target St Helens knife crime and street robberies

It is part of Operation Sceptre, a national campaign focused on knife-enabled robbery, that aims to reduce the impact this high-harm crime has on local communities.

A number of operations and initiatives aimed at keeping the public safe from robbery and knife-related offences will be running this week:

• High-visibility uniformed patrols day and night, in focused areas, including open land searches and weapon sweeps
• Knife arches to detect concealed weapons in high footfall areas
• Targeted stop and search with a focus on monitoring individuals with live Serious Violence Reduction Orders (SVROs)
• Bike marking events where the public can get their bike protected for free
• Test purchase operations across the region with our Police Cadets, to check retailers are following age restricted sales guidance in relation to knives
• Engagement with schools about the dangers of carrying a knife
• The public can also surrender knives or offensive weapons at St Helens Police Station on College Street in St Helens, which is open Monday to Friday 10am-8pm and Saturday 10am-6pm - or the police station in Newton-Le-Willows, St Helens, WA12 9BW, which is open Open Tuesday to Friday 10am – 6pm. 

Any type of knife or sharp item can be handed in and there is no requirement to give any personal details.

The advice from police is to take care when bringing a knife to a surrender location. Consider securely wrapping the bladed item in cardboard or a tea towel.

The knives are destroyed unless they show signs of being used in a crime, in which case police have a duty to investigate. 

If you cannot make it to a police station, you can report that you wish to dispose of a knife calling 101, or through X @MerPolCC and Facebook.

A recent bike-marking event (Image: Barry Betts) Merseyside Police say officers will be deployed to deter offenders and provide reassurance to the local community, with a particular focus in hotspot areas where high-harm crimes such as robbery are most likely to occur.

These patrols have led to a 48.6% reduction in all serious violent crime (139 less offences) across the 25 hotspot areas in Merseyside this financial year. Personal robbery has fell by 60% (90 less offences).

High value items such as bikes and E-bikes are often targeted and stolen by criminals. The Force has a 'targeted operation in place to disrupt these offences and officers are proactively checking bikes on Bike Register to see if they have been reported as lost or stolen'.

Police have also registered 1,250 bikes this year and have worked with bike retailers to promote the benefits of marking bikes at the point of sale.

Across Merseyside, reported knife crime and robbery offences decreased by 6.56% and 14.96% respectively for the year ending June 2024 compared with the previous 12 months (Office of National Statistics).

Superintendent Phil Mullally, Merseyside Police Force’s lead for serious violence and knife Crime, said: “We know that being a victim of robbery can be a frightening experience and can have a long-lasting impact.

“That's why we use a range of tactics from covert operations, high visibility patrols to working with partners to share crime prevention advice.

A knife arch will be in operation as part of the campaign (Image: Merseyside Police) “Seeing the substantial fall in personal robbery within our targeted patrol areas, but also across Merseyside shows that our operations are working, and our hard work is having an impact.

“However, we know that one robbery is one too many so we will continue to drive forward with our work to tackle this crime and bring offenders to justice.

“Carrying or arming yourself with a knife for any type of crime will not be tolerated. These offences will always be investigated fully by our teams, with the safeguarding of victims a priority.

“With more people out and about leading up to festive period, it is more important than ever that people remain vigilant. If you do become a victim of a robbery, please report it to us straight away by calling 999 in an emergency or 101.”

Police have issued the following tips on how people can cut the risk of being a target of robbery:

• Look confident, move with purpose, and remain aware of your surroundings.
• Plan your route and think about what to take with you, especially if you’re going somewhere you haven’t been before.
• Keep to busy, well-lit streets, walkways and paths which are more likely to be covered by CCTV.
• Use licensed taxis or minicabs booked by phone or on an app.
• Keep your mobile phone and valuables out of sight. If you’re using your phone, it’s more likely to be snatched from your hand as you’re not paying attention to your surroundings, so look around you.
• Remember not to leave your mobile phone, any other device, wallet, or purse on the table of an outdoor café, pub, or restaurant. The same applies for any jewellery you might be wearing – keep it covered when walking down the street.
• Own a bike? Protect it. Register your bike on BikeRegister and you could be reunited with it, in the event of it being stolen. Visit bikeregister.com/join.
• Register your phone on immobilise.com and keep a note of your IMEI number by dialling *#06# – if it’s stolen, the police may be able to recover it.
• If you’re threatened with violence, don’t risk your personal safety. Property can be replaced, you can’t.
• Report it straight away. If a crime is in progress call 999.