EVOLVE : Clear, Hold, Build

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Merseyside PCC Emily Spurrell meets officers at the launch of Clear,Hold, Build

The Police and Crime Commissioner is working together with Merseyside Police on EVOLVE which is Merseyside’s approach to the Home Office-designed and part-funded Clear, Hold, Build project to rescue and regenerate areas most affected by organised crime.

The strategy sees police ruthlessly pursue gang members using all available powers and tactics to clear an area; continue activity to hold the location, so another gang can’t take control in the vacuum; and then work with residents and partners to build the community into a more prosperous area where people would love to live, work and visit and one less susceptible to being exploited by organised crime groups.

The EVOLVE projects are taking place in areas of Wirral, Liverpool, Knowsley and Sefton but the strategy will eventually be rolled out across Merseyside for the long-term.

The force says implementing this holistic approach will make it more difficult for organised crime groups to operate. It will disrupt their activity and their incomes, and will help to protect those living, visiting and working in Merseyside. It will also assist those vulnerable to manipulation by gangs. By working together and listening to residents’ needs, EVOLVE will regenerate areas blighted by serious and organised crime and will allow residents to reclaim their communities, building long-term resilience against organised crime groups and help prevent future threats to safety.

Partners will work closely to share information and identify hot spots that need regeneration as well as targeted activity to remove and disrupt organised crime groups. In addition, partners will provide advice and services, in particular to those in need of assistance who may struggle to access help. Areas that will be focussed on include: the living, working and recreational environment for residents, opportunities for young people, help with employment, assistance to access funding, health issues, crime prevention and security advice.

Events will also be held with community groups that will provide opportunities for input from residents to determine how partners can best help and support communities.

Partners involved in EVOLVE also include local councils, Merseyside Fire and Rescue, housing associations, health services, schools, colleges, local businesses, community groups and residents.

For more information: follow @MerseyPolice on Twitter or visit: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/.

Anyone with any information about crime in their area is asked to contact Merseyside Police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always call 999.

We’ll be assisting by:

  • Advising the public on how/where to report suspicious behaviour
  • Using promotional materials to circulate the EVOLVE message
  • Building strong relationships with the police and our community to provide them with the confidence to report suspicious behaviour.
  • Using our resources to improve the look of the area
  • Using our resources to ensure vulnerable people can access services
  • Working with young people to create positive opportunities and diversionary activities
  • Using our resources to help residents feel safe in their homes including offering safety advice
  • Working with people to ensure they know how to access resources, services and funding opportunities