Armed robbery in Clayton Square, in Liverpool City Centre

MERSEYSIDE Police are appealing for information following an armed robbery at a shopping centre in Liverpool City centre.

At about 7.20am on 15 November, 2007 when a silver vauxhall Zafira car was seen backing into the doors on the St. John's side of Clayton Square.

Two offenders got out of the car and threatened security guards who were delivering cash to the ATM machines at the time. One of the offenders was believed to be armed.

The offenders took a cash box and left the scene in a small black hatchback car. The two men were wearing dark clothing and balaclavas.

The detectives are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or to anyone who has any information which could help with their investigation to contact them on 0151 777 4065, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

BOGUS CALLER

MERSEYSIDE Police are warning residents especially in the Ainsdale area of Southport to take extra care when answering the door to unexpected callers.

This is a result of a Bogus Caller burglary that took place in Sandbrook Road Ainsdale between 2pm and 3 pm on Monday 12 November 2007. When a caller gained entry to a property by stating he was from the Police and stole cash.

The bogus caller is described as a white male in his 40's with a pale complexion, short dark hair, he spoke with a local accent and was wearing a dark coat.

Southport CID are appealing for witnesses or any information in relation to this incident or any other similar incidents in this area Merseyside Police can be contacted on 0151 709 6010

Southport Crime Prevention officers Constables Garry McCabe and Kevin Kehoe are reminding residents to take the following simple steps to prevent this type of incident

Simple steps to take and avoid becoming a victim.
Before letting anyone into your home remember.

STOP, CHAIN & CHECK.

STOP are you expecting anybody? Do they have an appointment?

CHAIN. Secure the door bar or put the chain on BEFORE opening the door.

CHECK. Ask the caller for ID and double check.

Message from Home Watch:- "Please be good neighbours and take care of each other. Be aware of strangers calling at houses of older or vulnerable people in your Scheme. You know your area better than anyone else. Your vigilance could prevent someone from becoming a victim of crime.

Finally....  If in any doubt keep them out."

St John’s Shopping Centre To Undergo

MOVES to refurbish St John’s Shopping Centre in Liverpool City Centre are to take a major step forward.  Discussions are taking place between Liverpool City Council and Land Securities, owners of the shopping centre, about the planned refurbishment.

The Council’s Excutuive Board is being asked to:-

· Agree to progress discussions with Land Securities about the overall refurbishment of the centre

· Endorse the relocation of St John’s Market to a new state of the art facility as part of the refurbished centre

· Approve a lease to allow the construction of a media wall to screen the facade of the centre from Lime Street Station and provide a welcome statement to visitors to Liverpool during the Capital of Culture year and beyond

A report about the negotiations will be considered by the Board on 23 November 2007.

Land Securities is aiming to start the refurbishment in early 2009 with the market moving in 2010. The space currently occupied by the market would be used for new shopping units,food court and a double-height mall. The Centre as a whole will be comprehensively refurbished to provide a modern environment for Liverpool’s shoppers.

Cllr Mike Storey, Executive Member for Regeneration, said:- “With the Liverpool One development about to open it is important that we ensure that our existing shopping centres thrive.  Land Securities are showing great confidence in Liverpool with their plans for refurbishing the centre which will regenerate this part of the city centre.”

Cllr Berni Turner, Executive Member for the Environment added:- “There are still a lot of discussions to take place but there is general agreement moving the market is the best way forward for the future of St John’s Market which is a very important part of the shopping experience in the city.  We will be looking at ways in which we can make the market more accessible to the people of Liverpool,”

Nick Davis, Development Director for Land Securities said:- "Discussions with the Council are ongoing.

As soon as they have been concluded we will undertake a major public consultation exercise on the exciting proposals for St John's Shopping Centre. 

Land Securities is keen to make a major investment in the centre and contribute to the recent renaissance of Liverpool."