A Section 60 order came into force at 3pm on Thursday, July 23, and will remain in place until 3pm on Friday, July 24. The order gives officers enhanced powers to stop and search anyone they reasonably suspect may be involved in violence, criminality or disorder, without the usual requirement for reasonable grounds in the designated area.
Area Covered
The area includes much of Liverpool city centre and is bounded by Princess Parade, William Jessop Way, Waterloo Road, Paisley Street, Great Howard Street, Leeds Street, Byrom Street, Hunter Street, Islington, Brunswick Road, Low Hill, Hall Lane, Towerlands Street, Irvine Street, Mount Vernon Road, Grove Street, Oxford Street East, Smithdown Lane, Crown Street, Upper Parliament Street, Parliament Street, Queens Dock and the waterfront back to Waterloo Road.
Age Range and Purpose
The authorisation applies to males and females aged between 12 and 30 who officers believe may be involved in criminal activity. Chief Inspector Chris Ruane said: “This order is not designed to disrupt people going about their lawful business in the area. It will instead be used to deter and disrupt those involved in criminality. We aim to ensure that people who live, work and visit the area can carry on with as little disruption as possible.”
Police Presence and Appeal
“Officers have been deployed across the city centre following these incidents and I hope that the increased presence of our officers is reassuring to those who are within the city centre. Some of these offences have included teenage offenders. We would appeal to parents and carers to know where your child is and what they are doing. For young people, involvement in crime and anti-social behaviour can have life changing or life limiting consequences. We want our young people to enjoy our vibrant city centre safely and with due consideration for others and would ask that all the community plays their part in this.”
Anyone with information about antisocial behaviour and criminality should contact Merseyside Police social media desk using X or Facebook @MerPolCC. You can also report information via the force's website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or by calling 101. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously In an emergency always call 999.
