Kirkby Town Centre has benefitted from a significant reduction in anti-social behaviour in recent weeks, thanks in part to the actions of Knowsley Council’s Crime and Communities team.
Working in close partnership with Merseyside Police and other community safety partners, the team has recently issued 11 Acceptable Behaviour Agreements with people found to be involved in anti-social behaviour in Kirkby Town Centre and the surrounding area.
The Acceptable Behaviour Agreements mean that the individuals (who are aged between 10 and 16) cannot enter Kirkby Town Centre unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Breaches of the Agreements can lead to further action being taken against the individuals.
More Acceptable Behaviour Agreements are currently being issued to tackle further incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area.
Councillor Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council, said: “Acceptable Behaviour Agreements have been effective in tackling anti-social behaviour in Kirkby Town Centre, in addition to the ongoing work of our partners in Merseyside Police. In the vast majority of cases, the Agreements act as a significant deterrent, without the need for more serious follow-up action. The Council is investing significant amounts of public money in our town centres as we know that local people want us to attract new businesses, shoppers and visitors. Anti-social behaviour and criminality will not be tolerated in our town centres and we will continue to take action against those involved.”
CCTV
Kirkby Town Centre’s CCTV network has been extended and modernised in recent years, which is helping Police to identify those carrying out anti-social behaviour and crime. High-definition cameras have been installed across Kirkby Town Centre, and the cameras are monitored 24/7 by a team of specially trained Officers. Significantly, the CCTV Control Room in Knowsley has direct links with Merseyside Police and is able to share vital information immediately with the Local Policing Team.
Merseyside Police Superintendent for Knowsley, Karl Baldwin, added: “We are very pleased to see that the initiatives put in place are achieving the desired outcome, which is making Kirkby Town Centre a safe and welcoming place for businesses and locals to visit without having to experience anti-social behaviour while going about their business.
“High Visibility Policing and investigating each incident of anti-social behaviour around Kirkby Town Centre has helped to significantly reduce anti-social behaviour from youngsters – this is alongside putting in place Dispersal Notices and the Acceptable Behaviour Agreements issued by Knowsley’s Crime and Communities Team and Merseyside Police Officers.
“Working together, we will continue to monitor the area to ensure that this continues to be a welcoming place for shoppers to visit.”
REPORT IT
If you are experiencing anti-social behaviour or are a victim of a crime, you are encouraged to report this to Merseyside Police via 101 or online at www.merseyside.police.uk/
If there is anything you would like to discuss in confidence with our Crime and Communities Team, please email Safer.Knowsley@knowsley.gov.uk