Crime recorded in Merseyside has halved in the last 12 months

Crime in Merseyside has fallen by 14% in the past year, with falls in major crime including gun discharges and knife crime.

In the last financial year 2023-2024, data recorded by police forces in the region indicated a sharp drop in reported crime. The figures were confirmed in the first scrutiny meeting of Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Emily Spurrell’s second term.

Among the headline figures was a more than 50% drop in homicides compared to 2022/23 figures, with 11 across the region in the last 12 months.

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The information was presented as part of regular scrutiny meetings held by the CPC and was the first since she secured a second term in office after being first elected in 2021. votes as the second-placed Conservative candidate, Bob Teesdale.

Giving an update on the annual figures, Fiona Smith, head of performance for Merseyside Police, said overall crime had fallen in the region by 14% compared to 2022/23. This included a drop in neighborhood crime – including domestic burglary, vehicle offences, theft from the person and robbery – by 37 per cent.

A total of 208 fewer knife crimes were recorded, a 16% decrease, with firearm discharges down 12% with 37 reported. In terms of homicides, 11 were reported during the period under discussion, a 52% reduction compared to the last 12 months.

Mrs Spurrell said: “It is hugely reassuring that crime continues to fall in Merseyside. It means fewer people getting hurt, fewer families living in fear, and safer and stronger communities across the region.

“That is what we all want to see and what the Chief Constable and I have worked with so many partners to achieve. It is truly significant that we also continue to see the use of guns on our streets at the lowest level since records began, as well as a marked decline in the use of knives.

“While these numbers are extremely encouraging, we know we can do more. We are determined to reduce these numbers even further and that is my aim over the next four years.”

The reduction in crime was also seen to be 8% better than the most similar forces in the area and 4% lower than other police forces in the North West.

The rate of vehicle crime has been put under the spotlight by the PCC, with her questioning senior officers about the response from Merseyside Police after the issue was raised by voters during her election term. Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Jen Wilson said the force had a “comprehensive” plan to reduce vehicle crime, with an experienced vehicle crime group supporting investigations.

T/ACC Wilson said officers had determined there was a “really strong evidence base” linking motorcycle thefts, serious organized crime and anti-social behavior and the success of the force’s approach to tackling this was evident in the reduction in reported thefts.

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