New mobile police station now open at Beechwood

Wirral’s Community Mobile Police Station has been deployed to Beechwood to tackle anti-social and criminal behaviour.

The unit, a partnership between Wirral Council and Merseyside Police, managed by Wirral Anti-Social Behaviour Team, has been re-located to outside Beechwood Library on Beechwood Drive by the local shops.

The Beechwood area has been identified as a 'hot-spot' for anti-social behaviour and in particular criminal damage and the unit will be located within the area, as a central hub, for tackling crime and disorder within the neighbourhood for the next twelve weeks.

The Community Mobile Police Station, a 40 x 12 x 10 foot converted shipping container, was introduced in Wirral in January 2006. The specially made unit is equipped with a public enquiry desk, CCTV equipment, crime prevention displays and a wide range of literature for community safety, support groups and local activities.

It also contains a meeting area that can be used for a variety of purposes and is equipped with the technology necessary to help with a wide range of activities, such as meetings, workshops and group sessions.

The unit is managed by Community Development Officer Laura Newman, who is based within Wirral Anti-Social Behaviour Team and whose role is to co-ordinate multi-agency activity within the deployment area, including planned high visibility policing, to tackle anti-social and criminal behaviour.

A main focus of the officer's work is to increase public access to a range of services and ensure that any work undertaken is sustainable by the community following the withdrawal of the unit.

Laura said: "I strongly encourage residents including children and young people to visit the Community Mobile Police Station.  I want residents to use the facility as a voice for their concerns about any local issues and any suggestions they have to tackle the problems. I will be working closely with local residents groups but would encourage any local resident to input their views and ideas.”

Caroline Laing, Manager of Wirral Anti-Social Behaviour Team added: "Early in the Community Mobile Police Station's deployment, a multi-agency environmental catwalk or audit will be undertaken to identify issues in the local area, involving agencies, schools and residents.”

Inspector Paul Harrison, based at Laird Street Police Station, said: "I would urge residents to speak with my local beat officers, call in to the mobile station to chat with them and let us know anything at all we can do to assist".

The Community Mobile Police Station not only aims to tackle anti-social behaviour but also helps promote the Government's Respect Agenda in Wirral.

Ends

Press release issued: September 5 2007