Crimestoppers campaign launched in Garston to encourage crime reporting
28.03.25 - Merseyside
A Crimestoppers campaign has been launched in Garston, encouraging residents to report crime and antisocial behaviour.
The campaign focuses on the Garston Under the Bridge area and involves collaboration with partner agencies. Uniformed officers continue to conduct high-visibility patrols to disrupt and prevent any criminal activity.
New Crimestoppers signs have been installed throughout the area to encourage reporting. This initiative will be supported by targeted social media activity and leaflet drops to residents.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of Crimestoppers’ anonymous reporting service and encourage residents to provide information on crimes such as drug dealing, knife crime, criminal gangs and antisocial behaviour.
Information from the community is vital in reducing crime in the area and Crimestoppers offers a quick and safe way to report concerns 100% anonymously.
To mark the start of the campaign on Friday, police and partners joined together for a community day of action in the area. Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell attended, alongside representatives from Liverpool City Council, Highways England, local schools and housing providers.
Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “Residents in Garston have told us they feel unsafe in their area due to recent incidents of crime and ASB. Everybody has the right to live in safety which is why we are listening to these concerns and taking steps, such as increased high-visibility patrols, to disrupt and prevent criminal activity.
“Whilst Merseyside Police do a fantastic job, they cannot fight crime on their own. The people of Garston, know their area best, they are the eyes and ears on the ground when it comes to providing quality information and intelligence, so we need their support to further address issues such youth violence and anti-social behaviour that are prevalent in the area.
“We know some people are not willing, or too fearful to speak to the police. That’s why Crimestoppers is so important. They never ask for personal details, they can’t trace calls, and you will never be asked to provide a statement or attend court.
“Anybody who provides vital intelligence to Crimestoppers can be 100% confident their report will be completely anonymous, and their identity will never be revealed. It’s a promise Crimestoppers have never broken since the charity was founded 37 years ago.
“Here on Merseyside, Crimestoppers receives more than 7,500 pieces of actional information each year following anonymous calls from the public. These calls lead to arrests, weapons taken off our streets, drugs seized, and young people safeguarded.
“Most importantly, these calls are making Merseyside a safer place for us all, If you suspect a crime has taken place or somebody may be dealing drugs or carrying a knife or engaging in anti-social behaviour, please speak to Crimestoppers, because there is no doubt, we are most effective when we work together to combat crime.”
Local Inspector Steve Reilly said: “We have been working closely with residents and partner agencies to disrupt and prevent crime in the Garston Under the Bridge area, which has included targeted patrols but also ensuring issues with fly-tipping and inadequate lighting are addressed by the relevant agencies. However, we rely on community intelligence to detect crime, shape our activities, safeguard vulnerable people and bring criminals to justice.
“We understand that some people may not feel comfortable reporting directly to the police or other authorities. That’s why we have partnered with Crimestoppers to offer residents an easy and completely anonymous way to raise their concerns.
“I urge anyone living in the area to contact Crimestoppers if you have any information about suspected criminal activity. Any information, no matter how big or small, can be extremely useful.”
Gary Murray, North West Regional Manager at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “Crimestoppers are pleased to launch this campaign in Garston, working with a wide range of partners and those who live and work in the area to help make Garston safer.”
“Every piece of information given anonymously to Crimestoppers is important in building the intelligence picture of those who are involved in criminal activity, in helping to reduce crime and saving lives.”
“In 36 years, we have never revealed the identity of anyone who has contacted us by phone or online, you will always remain anonymous.”
“Over the last 12 months, we have received over 8,000 anonymous reports from Merseyside, which has led to seizures of drugs and weapons, arrests and vulnerable adults and children safeguarded. Information from the community really does make a difference.”
You can report any concerns to police on 999 if a crime is in progress, via 101, or via X @MerPolCC.
To pass on crime information completely anonymously, visit https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ and fill in a secure online form or call the 24/7 UK Contact Centre on 0800 555 111. Computer IP addresses are never traced, and no-one will ever know you contacted Crimestoppers.