Crime rates fall in three years since launch of Clear, Hold, Build
In 2022, the lives of four families in Liverpool were shattered by gun crime, prompting a new targeted response to tackle serious and organised crime.
Merseyside Police was given funding by the Home Office to begin a Clear, Hold, Build operation, known locally as Evolve, designed to reclaim areas worst affected by serious and organised crime and rebuild safer, stronger communities.
It was one of the first forces in the UK to implement this model, ahead of its national rollout in January 2023.
Three years on, there have been more than 5,300 arrests, around 630kg of Class A and B drugs seized with an estimated street value of several million pounds, more than 260 offensive weapons and 28 firearms seized, and around £2.5 million seized in cash and assets.
The launch of Evolve followed the deaths of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel, 22-year-old Sam Rimmer and 28-year-old Ashley Dale in August 2022.
Mr Rimmer was shot in Dingle on August 16 and died a short time after; five days later Ms Dale was killed in Old Swan; and the following day Olivia was fatally shot in Dovecot.
Later that year, on Christmas Eve, 26-year old Elle Edwards was murdered outside the Lighthouse Pub in Wallasey when a gunman opened fire.
Merseyside now has four Clear, Hold, Build projects – Liverpool-Knowsley, Wirral, Netherton, and Everton-Vauxhall – which are delivered in partnership with other agencies to tackle criminality and its underlying causes.
Each phase has a distinct purpose. Clear focuses on disrupting and removing criminals from communities, Hold aims to stabilise the area and prevent the return of criminal activity, and Build works to strengthen communities and reduce vulnerability to crime.
All crime has fallen across each of the areas, says Merseyside Police. And community intelligence has increased by more than 300 per cent across the four sites, equating to thousands of reports.
Detective Chief Superintendent Graeme Robson, who leads Evolve, said: “This is not just about numbers – this is about lives. No family should have to endure the pain of losing a loved one to crime.
“While serious and organised crime in Merseyside is falling, one weapon fired is one too many.
“We are working tirelessly with our partners to create safer communities. The results are impressive, but we are not stopping here.
“Young people are key to creating lasting change. We are working closely with schools and youth organisations to educate young people and try to prevent them from going down the wrong path or falling victim to criminal gangs looking to exploit them for their financial gain.
“The wider community also plays a vital role. Law-abiding residents don’t want to live in the shadows of gangs and we have seen an increase in reports to Crimestoppers and our Force since 2022.
“This information, combined with the work of dedicated teams, is helping drive real change.
“Every piece of information helps us to protect more lives, so we urge the public to keep coming forward so we can continue to make a difference – together.
“We have brought Ashley, Olivia and Elle’s killers to justice, but we are still seeking justice for Sam and his family. I encourage anyone with information to do the right thing and tell us what you know.”
Merseyside police and crime commissioner Emily Spurrell added: “Three years ago, our communities were shaken by a series of devastating tragedies that left families heartbroken and neighbourhoods reeling.
“In response, we launched Evolve, with a clear mission to reclaim our streets from the grip of serious and organised crime and to restore hope, safety and pride to the people of Merseyside.
“This has been a true partnership effort. From Merseyside Police and local councils to housing providers, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, EFC, LFC, health services, schools, and community groups, every organisation has played a vital role.
“The results speak for themselves; crime is down, public confidence is up, and residents are once again at the heart of shaping their neighbourhoods.
“We know that enforcement alone is not enough. That’s why Evolve has focused just as much on the ‘Build’ phase – investing in young people, supporting families, and creating opportunities that steer people away from crime.
“By listening to residents and working with them, we’re creating lasting change that will protect future generations.”
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said: “It has been three years since the launch of the first two Evolve projects in Liverpool and Knowsley, and Wirral following the tragic deaths of Sam, Ashley, Olivia and Elle that sent shockwaves of grief through our communities.
“The heart of Evolve is partnership and its success is a testament to the dedication of our officers, staff, partners and residents who have come together and worked tirelessly to make Evolve areas safer and more resilient.
“The hard work, commitment and collaborative spirit are making a real difference – building trust, reducing harm and creating neighbourhoods where everyone can feel safe and supported.
“Evolve has made significant progress in disrupting and dismantling criminal networks, safeguarding vulnerable people, and restoring a sense of pride and security to neighbourhoods.
“I want to thank everyone involved for the achievements we have made together so far.”