Operation to reduce serious and organised crime sees significant results one year following launch
02.03.26 - Merseyside
One year after a scheme designed to reduce serious and organised crime was launched, significant successes are being seen.
EVOLVE Everton-Vauxhall, the fourth Clear, Hold, Build scheme to be rolled out in Merseyside, was launched last January after the areas were identified by police and partners as ones that would benefit from the multi-partnership approach to reduce serious and organised crime and its impact.
Clear, Hold, Build is a Home Office-led initiative that disrupts crime, improves safety and supports long-term community resilience, with partners working with residents to create better futures.
Since the launch there have been:
117 arrests
31 weapons seized
1.9kg of Class A drugs, 22kg of Class B drugs and 85kg of Class C drugs seized
120 warrants executed
630 stop searches carried out
42 safeguarding referrals made
528 intelligence submissions received, which is an increase of 28% from the previous year
The area has also seen the following changes in the last 12 months:
Arrests have increased by 7%
Violence with injury has decreased by 11%
Residential burglaries have fallen by 13%
Commercial burglaries have reduced by 4%
ASB has fallen by 6%
Violence without injury has reduced by 6%
Recorded offences of drug dealing have increased by 72% due to the proactive work targeting offenders
Overall crime has increased by 2% — reflecting the increase in the identification of drug dealing
Superintendent Tony Fairhurst, one of the senior officers involved in EVOLVE Everton-Vauxhall, said: “We recognise that drug-related activity plays a large role in fuelling serious and organised crime, which impacts on community safety and the welfare of residents.
“Since the launch of the operation last January our officers have proactively targeted those suspected of being involved in drug-related activity, which is reflected in the large increase in identified drug dealing - and this in turn has driven the slight rise in all crimes being recorded.
“It is also reflected in the increase in safeguarding referrals for vulnerable people who have either needed help with their addictions or needed interventions to prevent them from being exploited by criminals.
“In the last 12 months we have made significant progress, with our officers working hard to Clear the area of criminality and prevent others from filling the void created, while also helping to protect those who are vulnerable.
“We are delighted with the substantial increase in intelligence from the community, which is indicative of the growing confidence we are seeing and is vital for us to be able to continue to make the greatest possible difference.
“However, this is only the start of the journey and we will keep working hard with our partners to ensure Everton and Vauxhall are places people love to live, work and visit.”
Following the launch of the Build phase last March, a number of initiatives have been introduced to help build a stronger community more resilient to criminality.
The start of the Build phase was marked by the first of spoken word poet Joseph Roberts’ Dear Merseyside assemblies and workshops, which took place at North Liverpool Academy and Notre Dame Catholic Academy before being rolled out to other secondary schools in the four EVOLVE areas.
Dear Merseyside carries a stark and powerful message. It says ‘enough is enough’ and calls on young people and communities to work with Merseyside Police and our partners, to break the cycle of violence.
It is also designed to give young people the courage to choose the right path and reject the suffering they would experience at the hands of criminal gangs.
The project reached around 2,500 Year 8 pupils last year and is in the process of being rolled out again to more than 5,000 Year 7 and 8 pupils across targeted areas in Merseyside, giving young people the opportunity to think about the problems in their communities and consider solutions.
Superintendent Fairhurst added: “By listening to our young people and working with them, we can further enhance the success of EVOLVE, improving their opportunities, reducing crime and building a safer, stronger Merseyside for generations to come.”
Merseyside Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell added: “Over the last 12 months, EVOLVE Everton‑Vauxhall has shown what can be achieved when communities, partners and policing come together with real determination.
“The progress made so far, from the increase in intelligence and safeguarding to reductions in violence, burglary and antisocial behaviour, is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all involved and the trust and co-operation of local residents.
“A vital part of this success has been the involvement of young people. Their enthusiasm, creativity and willingness to take part in projects and workshops is helping to shape a safer, more confident community for the future.
“Initiatives delivered through the Build phase, such as school assemblies and youth‑led funding events, show just how powerful their voices can be in driving positive change.
“There is still more to do, but these results reflect a community that is growing stronger and more resilient every day.
“We remain committed to working alongside residents, partners and local young people to build on this momentum and ensure Everton and Vauxhall continue to thrive.”
Other initiatives to improve Everton and Vauxhall have included a participatory budget event last April, where 10 community groups chosen by pupils from North Liverpool Academy in a Dragon’s Den-style event were each awarded £5,000 to help support the areas.
In addition, the Anfield and Everton Disarm Group encourages and maintains the partnership working that is essential to the ‘Build’ phase of EVOLVE.
The group is working with the neighbourhood policing team to focus on hotspots for crime and ASB, establishing working groups as required.
It continues to work closely with third sector organisations, including many of those funded last year through the participatory budget event, and with youth providers who build relationships with youth workers to become mentors and role models.
Liverpool City Council’s Public Health team has recently provided funding to continue detached youth work in an area where it is making a real difference to the level of ASB.
Regular ‘Days of Action’ are held across the EVOLVE area to door knock, speak with residents and deliver important messages, as well as promoting Crimestoppers to encourage reporting.
As part of the partner action days, the council is carrying out environmental works to improve the look of the area and encourage residents to take a pride in where they live.
This includes cutting back overgrown hedges that block footpaths, and trees that are obscuring streetlights, which removes the possibility of hedges being used to store weapons.
The West Everton EVOLVE Problem Solving Group, established by local councillor Jane Corbett, is made up of partners and stakeholders who also meet bi-monthly to proactively address ongoing and emerging issues.
Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, Cabinet Member for Communities, Neighbourhoods and Streetscene at Liverpool City Council, said: “All of the partners involved in EVOLVE are determined to tackle the root causes of serious violence, so that residents can go about their lives without fear of crime.
"Joint working makes a real difference, through days of action, community projects, arrests and the preventative work to dissuade young people from getting involved in criminality.”