Hotspot policing sees fall in crime, force says

Merseyside Police said hotspot policing would continue until March

A police force said the use of high visibility patrols in hotspot areas for crime has led to a significant fall in serious violence and anti-social behaviour.

Merseyside Police said latest figures showed serious violence was down almost 48% in the areas targeted and anti-social behaviour was down more than 18%.

Hotspot policing sees uniformed officers and PCSO's undertake high visibility foot patrols in targeted areas.

Supt Phil Mullally, lead for serious violence and knife crime, said the results were "encouraging".

'Visible police force'

There are 25 hotspot areas across Merseyside in St Helens, Liverpool, Wirral, Knowsley, and Sefton, the force said.

Most recent figures for the three months from April to June show all crime in hotspot areas was down 15.4%.

"We know hotspot patrols have proven to be an effective way of driving down crime," Supt Mullally said.

"Last year, we saw a 29% reduction in serious violent crime with 143 fewer victims in the areas we targeted.

"Feedback from residents and local businesses within the hotspot areas has been very positive – we know people want to see more officers in their neighbourhood," he added.

Local policing Insp Andy Robinson, lead for antisocial behaviour, said the reductions "aren't just numbers" but "really mean something for people's lives".

Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said anti-social behaviour could have "a hugely damaging effect on the people who witness and experience it".

She said that was why it was a "real focus" by having a "visible police force".

Hotspot policing would run until March, the force added.