RECENT shootings, including one in Woodchurch last week, have prompted a charity's call for anonymous reporting of violent crime to increase across Merseyside.
Crimestoppers say many people have concerns about reporting serious crime, understandably fearing retaliation from the criminals they report.
The charity has launched an appeal in order to address the public's concerns and needs your help with information in relation to the following incidents:
Tuesday, March 1:
A 15-year-old schoolgirl was shot while waiting at a bus stop on Upper Warwick Street, Liverpool. Through no fault of her own, the young girl was seriously injured by the reckless actions of a man who shot at another man in the street. A male has since been arrested and charged with attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.
Monday, March 20:
A man was shot in the face on Croxteth Hall Lane, Croxteth.
Tuesday, March 22:
A man was shot on Hoole Road, Woodchurch.
Detailed anonymous community intelligence plays a significant role in the fight against serious crime.
Crimestoppers has put together some questions to prompt the public and hopefully encourage them to report what they see, hear or know.
Weapons:
- Who is supplying and selling guns?
- How are these guns being transported into Merseyside and by whom?
- Where are the firearms being stored?
- The names of those who have carried out recent shootings and stabbings.
- How are the firearms disposed of after use?
- What vehicles were used in the attacks and where are they now?
Drugs:
- Who controls the drug trade in the area?
- What drug phone lines are they operating and what names are they using?
- What social media platforms are they using to advertise the drugs, and do you know their details?
- How are those who are being exploited by them targeted and recruited?
- How are they moving their illegal funds and where is the money going?
Gary Murray, North West regional manager at the charity Crimestoppers, said: "We have all been shocked and saddened by the recent shootings and stabbings that have taken place on Merseyside, particularly as many of the victims have been young people.
"We really need the public's help to get these weapons off the street and identify those who have carried out these attacks before more lives are lost and families left devastated.
"I would encourage anyone who has information about those organising or carrying out crime in Merseyside to contact our charity completely anonymously online or by phone: the only person who will know you have contacted us is you.
"Every year across Merseyside, we receive over 7,000 pieces of actionable information: this leads to hundreds of arrests, millions of pounds of illegal drugs seized, and weapons being taken off our streets.
"We would like to thank those who have contacted us. We will never know who they are because of anonymity, but they have made Merseyside safer for everyone and made a real difference and I encourage those who have this vital information to contact us.
"We guarantee you'll be 100% anonymous. Always."
To report crime in Merseyside 100% anonymously, visit the charity's website www.crimestoppers-uk.org and fill in a simple and secure anonymous online form or call our 24/7 UK Contact Centre on freephone 0800 555 111.
