Crime in Newton-le-Willows East, St. Helens

Over recent months, Earlestown has experienced persistent shop theft and antisocial behaviour. In response, officers have engaged directly with a number of local businesses, building strong working relationships to better understand concerns and improve information sharing. Businesses have been encouraged to report incidents promptly, supported by the rollout of an updated QR code system to streamline the reporting process.
Enforcement activity has also been effective, with five prolific offenders receiving custodial sentences ranging from 8 to 28 weeks, contributing to a reduction in repeat offending and increased confidence among local retailers.

Local policing officers have been working with businesses to ensure retail crime is effectively reported and conducted environmental assessments in store to assist in designing out crime. They have conducted regular high visibility and covert patrols to prevent and detect crime. This has led to the arrest, charge and conviction of 2 x prolific shoplifters. Evidence is now being gathered for Criminal Behaviour Orders.

Local Policing officers have been working with local businesses, providing reassurance and ensuring they secure best possible evidence to identify and target prolific offenders – Through investigative skills they identified 2 x males and a female targeting various businesses in Earlstown. The female was arrested twice in quick succession and 1 x male sentenced to 20 weeks in prison for his offences. The other male has been identified, and we are currently searching for him.

Regarding the ASB, there is partnership action plan in place, extra attention has been provided with a visible presence, plain clothed deployments and Quad bike patrols carried out in the area with no incidents of note. ASB demand has significantly reduced with no further complaints.

Local policing officers have been working in partnership with the local council and housing to address issues raised by residents. They have held community meetings, conducted a day of action, provided a visible presence and utilised plain clothed officers to tackle the issue. A number of ASB warning letters have been issued and arrests made for drug use. Further partnership meetings are to be held in the near future.