Spate of burglaries prompts action

FOUR burglaries were reported in just 24 hours in Southport.

Incidents took place in Elizabeth Avenue, Hawkshead Street, Hope Square and Hargreaves Street on March 7-8.

An attempted burglary was also reported in Princes Street during the early evening on Wednesday, March 7.

The burglar was disturbed and made off on foot after uniformed officers and officers in plain clothes attended.

Officers in plain clothing will continue to patrol the area in an attempt to prevent residential burglaries.

In a statement, Merseyside police said: “The community team will also be supported by colleagues from across the local policing area.”

A Sefton crime alert also stated that, between February 25 and March 7, further burglaries had taken place in Pitt Street, Hollybrook Road, Portland Street, Park Road West and Banastre Road.

Car keys and vehicles were stolen twice and two of the incidents were classed as attempted burglaries.

In three of the listed incidents, the properties were found to be insecure.

Merseyside police have launched Operation Castle to intensify the force’s focus on burglary in an attempt to reduce offences, raise community confidence and reduce the number of outstanding named suspects for burglary.

Supt Matt Boyle said: “We have listened to the concerns of the local community and want to reassure them that Operation Castle is a big push on tackling burglary and bringing offenders to justice.”