Drugs and weapons taken off streets and crime down by nearly a third in EVOLVE Netherton
12.02.26 - Merseyside
The smallest of Merseyside's Clear, Hold, Build operations is celebrating big successes on its third anniversary.
EVOLVE Netherton was launched on the Park Lane estate in January 2023, in response to serious and organised crime impacting the area.
Based on the Home Office’s Clear, Hold, Build strategy, it brings together Merseyside Police, the Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner, Sefton Borough Council, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, schools and education providers, housing associations, health and social care partners, local residents and voluntary, faith and community organisations.
The three phases of the strategy each have a distinct purpose:
- Clear removes and disrupts criminals operating in communities. In Netherton this saw targeted patrols and enforcement based on community intelligence, execution of warrants and proactive operations to disrupt those causing the most harm and use of civil and criminal powers to safeguard vulnerable people.
- Hold stabilises the area and prevents offending from returning. This has relied on close coordination between police and partners. Joint patrols, tenancy‑related interventions, environmental improvements, and safeguarding work have all helped keep the area stable and supported.
- Build strengthens local resilience and reduces vulnerability to crime by focussing on long‑term community development and creating opportunities that help residents thrive. Partners have worked together to deliver youth diversion and engagement activities, support families and individuals at risk of exploitation, improve public spaces and address persistent problem locations and strengthen links with schools, youth providers, and community groups. This phase continues to grow as residents and partners identify new priorities and opportunities for the area.
Since its launch, police activity has removed key offenders and prevented their return, while partnership work has helped strengthen the community, making it more difficult for organised crime groups to operate.
In the last three years there have been:
- 147 arrests
- Large quantities of drugs seized including cannabis, cocaine, heroin and ketamine
- Cash seized from criminals
- Multiple firearms seized
- 230 stop searches undertaken
- 522 vulnerable people safeguarded
The area has also seen:
- Over 30% reduction in all crime
- 69% reduction in ASB
- 20% reduction in violence with injury
- 69% reduction in residential burglary
- 50% reduction in business burglary
- 34% reduction in violence without injury
- 16% reduction in drug possession offences
Merseyside Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “Over the past three years, EVOLVE Netherton has delivered real change for residents.
“We’ve seen significant reductions in overall crime to major decreases in burglary, anti‑social behaviour and criminal damage.
“These aren’t just numbers; they represent safer streets, fewer victims, and a community beginning to feel the benefits of sustained partnership working.
“None of this progress would have been possible without the support of local people. Their willingness to work with the police, share information, and stand up for their neighbourhood has been vital.
“It shows what can be achieved when enforcement, safeguarding, and community action come together with a shared purpose.
“But we know the job is far from done. There are still those who seek to profit from crime and inflict misery on good and decent people.
“We will not allow them to regain a foothold in this community. Our commitment remains unwavering.
“By continuing to work together, we will keep building on this progress and ensure that Netherton remains a place where families can feel safe, supported and proud of where they live.”
Superintendent Paul Holden, one of the senior officers involved in EVOLVE Netherton, said: “As we mark three years of this operation it provides us with an opportunity to highlight the progress made in what is our smallest EVOLVE area, but one that has delivered a significant impact.
“The Clear, Hold, Build approach is delivering meaningful improvements to community safety, stability, and overall quality of life for the local community with sustained reductions across every major crime category.
“These reductions reflect the Clear and Hold phases working in tandem - removing high‑harm individuals, providing visible policing and targeted enforcement.
“This targeted disruption reduces the influence of organised crime, weakens criminal networks, and creates space for community resilience to grow.
“The increase in community intelligence shows growing trust, confidence and willingness to share information with us and through strong partnership working and community commitment, Park Lane and the surrounding area have seen real improvements in safety and opportunities.
“Initiatives like Dear Merseyside, working with poet Joseph Roberts in local schools, have helped us connect with young people—who are key to preventing criminality and ensuring early intervention remains central to this work.
“The reductions in crime are not just statistics—they translate into safer streets, more secure homes and a community that feels supported rather than intimidated.”
“This anniversary gives us a chance to reflect on how far we have come, while recognising that the biggest differences happen when we work together.
“Clear, Hold, Build is embedding long‑term change, ensuring the progress since January 2023 forms the foundation of a stronger and more confident Park Lane Estate.
By continuing to work together, we can ensure the area remains safer and brighter for generations to come.”