Merseyside PCC reflects on progress in tackling serious and organised crime three years after launch of EVOLVE Wirral
19.05.26 - Merseyside
An operation tackling serious and organised crime in Wirral is marking three years of progress with police and partners highlighting community success and sustained enforcement that has seen more than £2million of drugs removed from the streets.
EVOLVE Wirral, covering Noctorum, Beechwood and Ballantyne, and Woodchurch, is a Clear, Hold, Build initiative rolled out by the Home Office across the UK to improve communities most affected by serious and organised crime.
The Clear and Hold phases began following the murder of Elle Edwards on 24 December 2022.
The Build phase launched on 18 May 2023 focusing on creating safer, more prosperous neighbourhoods resilient to gang activity.
Since then, police and partners have worked hard to reduce criminality while supporting and strengthening communities.
In the last 12 months, officers have made 473 arrests linked to organised crime groups (OCGs), with offenders sentenced to 210 years in prison.
They have seized 100 weapons, over £520,000 of cocaine, heroin and cannabis and more than £470,000 in cash - most of which was seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act and will be reinvested into communities.
A total of 25 adults and 60 children have been safeguarded and 108 warrants carried out. In addition, all crime has fallen across the three areas by 12.6% since 2023.
Wirral’s Area Commander Chief Superintendent Mark Wiggins said: “EVOLVE Wirral is a long-term commitment, bringing police and partner agencies together to drive lasting change, protecting communities while shaping a safer future for generations to come.
“Central to this work is a determination to challenge and change attitudes, particularly among those at risk of becoming involved in gang-related crime.
“Over the past year, we have made significant progress disrupting organised crime, removing drugs and cash from the streets and reducing offending.
“But our focus remains on tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, protecting the vulnerable and preventing harm before it happens. This requires strong partnerships with residents and local organisations.
“We urge anyone with information about criminal activity to come forward, either directly to police or anonymously via Crimestoppers. Every piece of information can make a difference.”
Merseyside Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “Marking three years since the launch of EVOLVE Wirral is an important moment to reflect on the progress made in tackling serious and organised crime across our communities.
“Since the initiative began, we have seen meaningful action taken against those involved in organised criminality, alongside vital work to protect vulnerable people and help neighbourhoods feel safer and more secure.
“This progress has been driven by the commitment of police officers, partner agencies and local residents working side by side.
“Their combined efforts have helped empower communities and reduce the grip that organised crime once had in these areas.
“While we know there is more work ahead, the results achieved so far demonstrate that this collaborative approach is delivering real change.
“I want to thank everyone who has played a part and encourage continued support as we work to create a safer Wirral and Merseyside for future generations.”
Other successes in EVOLVE Wirral across the last 12 months include nearly 2,000 young people taking part in the Dear Merseyside project with Liverpool poet Joseph Roberts using spoken word to highlight the dangers of gangs and knife crime.
During whole‑year assemblies for years 7 and 8, Joseph delivered his powerful Dear Merseyside poem and video - a love letter to the county - created as part of the wider EVOLVE operation.
Pupils from Birkenhead Park School, Ridgeway High School, Woodchurch High School, St Anselm’s College and The Mosslands School took part as well as around 50 Year 9 pupils from Clare Mount Specialist Sports College.
Joseph’s assemblies aim to empower young people to make positive choices, follow their ambitions, and avoid being drawn into criminality or gangs.
In addition, following on from the participatory budget events last year which saw £44,500 awarded to 23 projects in the three areas, activities have been rolled out that aim to make a positive difference to the lives of residents.
Merseyside’s Police Commissioner awarded £30,000 of the funding under the Proceeds of Crime Act, which saw assets seized from convicted criminals reinvested in communities. The remaining money came from local social housing providers.