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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Benjamin Roberts-Haslam

Police crack down on street terrorised by 'balaclava gang'

Merseyside Police has issued a response to the recent coverage of a once quiet area now plagued by a gang of yobs.

The balaclava-clad gang have spent a number of months intimidating and targeting residents close to Central Park in Liscard. Families living on Leominster Road and Greenheys Road are terrified with the gang continuing their spate of anti-social and criminal behaviour.

Earlier this week the ECHO reported on how people living in the area have taken the choice to hire a private security firm in a bid to feel more protected against the gang, but Merseyside Police has now confirmed that there have been no reports of crime in the area in almost a month.

READ MORE: Families living in fear of 'Balaclava Gang' hire private security firm

Police have now confirmed they are "committed" to making people feel safe and secure in their homes. Community Policing Chief Inspector Tom Welch said: “We received reports of criminal damage to cars on Leominster Road and Greenheys Road in the Central Park area of Liscard on Wednesday 13 July.

“Following these reports, we stepped up high-visibility patrols in the area, conducted door-to-door enquiries and set up the mobile police station on Leominster Road so that residents could come and talk to us about their concerns. The feedback we received from residents was about police activity following the incidents was positive, and we made clear that where reports were made we would take action.

“Since 13 July, we have not received any reports of vandalism or anti-social behaviour on these roads. Overall, the number of reports police have had to this area, including Central Park, over the past 12 months is low.

“Nonetheless, we completely understand the fear and disruption anti-social behaviour can cause and we are committed to making sure that everyone feels safe in their home and community.

“I want to stress that if residents experience any incidents or feel unsafe the best thing to do is to contact police – either through 101 or by calling 999 in an emergency. If for whatever reason, you don’t wish to come to police directly you can call Crimestoppers, completely anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

“Where we receive reports of anti-social behaviour we can target our resources and take action whether that be through dispersal zones, plain clothes officers, or working with partners such as the Council, businesses and community groups to tackle the issues.

“Earlier this year a new pump track was opened up in Central Park, thanks to funding from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, to benefit young people in our community in Liscard. We welcome such opportunities to provide activities for our young people which can prevent anti-social behaviour in the long term.

“Rest assured, where reports of anti-social behaviour are received, action will be taken to deal with anti-social behaviour in Liscard and across Merseyside.”

Always call 999 if a crime is in progress. You can pass any information on anti-social behaviour via our social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter or 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook. You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.

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