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MERSEYSIDE Detectives working on Operation Castle, the Force's ongoing response to burglary, have arrested 2 men in connection with burglary offences, within Formby, Merseyside. We are told that at around 7pm, on Thursday, 28 February 2019, officers on patrol in Victoria Road, Ince Blundell, stop checked a car and found suspected stolen items, including jewellery. 2 men were then detained and are a 29 year old male, from Kirkby, who was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit a burglary, with intent to steal. Also a 28 year old man, of no fixed abode was arrested suspicion of conspiracy to commit a burglary, with intent to steal. The arrests refer to a series of burglary offences under investigation in the Formby area, and forensic enquiries are ongoing in relation to items seized. Anyone with information on suspected burglary or the storage of suspected stolen items is asked to contact our dedicated hotline and email address on:- 0151 777 7926 or email:- Operation.Castle@Merseyside.PNN.Police.UK. You can also pass information via calling:- 101 or you can call or the independent charity CrimeStoppersUK, anonymously, on:- 0800 555 111.

Deputy Police Commissioner welcomes introduction of women only Review Court

MERSEYSIDE' Deputy Police Commissioner has welcomed the introduction of a women only Review Court which aims to reduce the number of females who are sent to prison. The women only Review Courts will be held monthly from 1 March 2019, at the Complex Case Court, which sits at Sefton Magistrates Court. They will examine the cases of females sentenced to community orders or suspended sentences with requirements, who will be invited to attend hearings where progress reports will be provided by their offender manager.

The review hearings will provide an all female environment where cases can be evaluated and where issues can be identified and addressed, with the aim of preventing problems from escalating to the point where the women may breach their orders, potentially triggering a prison sentence. Attendees will be encouraged to engage with the order and be open about issues which may be affecting them in the hope that, where possible, they can be resolved.

The review hearings will be available to female offenders sentenced at Liverpool, Knowsley and St Helens Magistrates' Court. Up until now, the Complex Case Court has provided a system for reviews where both men and women's orders were considered, but by providing dedicated women only Courts the aim is to create an atmosphere which encourages better communication and understanding of the issues facing female offenders.

The introduction of the specialist Courts follows a visit by the Police Commissioner, Jane Kennedy, and Deputy Police Commissioner, Cllr Emily Spurrell, to similar Courts operating in Manchester. Proposals to launch them in Merseyside were then discussed and reviewed at a roundtable event focussed on implementing the Ministry of Justice's long awaited Female Offender Strategy chaired by the Deputy Police Commissioner and attended by a host of criminal justice partners.

Deputy Police Commissioner, Cllr Emily Spurrell, said:- "For more than 40 years, it has been widely agreed; by:- academics, legislators, reform organisations, charities and political parties; that it is not appropriate that women offenders are dealt with in the same way as their male counterparts; that there needs to be a 'distinct' approach to women in the criminal justice system. We know that the vast majority of women who come into contact with the criminal justice system have experienced significant adversities before they do so; whether that may be due to exploitation as a child or as an adult, because of domestic abuse or sexual violence, alcohol or substance misuse. We also know that they may face additional complexities in adhering to orders, due to issues including:- child care, mental health and appropriate housing. As a result, the road into; and out of; offending behaviour can be very different for women compared to men. That means our approach to how we treat women in the criminal justice system should be appropriately tailored. I enthusiastically welcome the introduction of these women only Review Courts as a way of improving how the cases of female offenders are handled, with the over arching aim of reducing the number who end up behind bars. They are a step in the right direction and, I hope, will form part of a series of reforms aimed at finding effective remedies to the struggles, needs and vulnerabilities of female offenders."

Fire and Rescue Authority approves Chief Fire Officer's bold plans to fight austerity

MERSEYSIDE Fire and Rescue Authority has unanimously endorsed the innovative proposals that was put forward by Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan, at the Authority's meeting, on 28 February 2019.

The plans represent a new optimism for the Service after a lengthy period of cuts resulting in the loss of Fire Stations, Fire Engines and Firefighters.

Significant national and international incidents including terrorist attacks and the Grenfell Tower disaster have given the Chief Fire Officer cause to review the current Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) 2017-20 to ensure it equips the Service to meet future demands.

Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Garrigan's plans present an opportunity for a more robust, resilient and effective Fire and Rescue Service.

The plans include:-

► An increase of available fire appliances from 26 to 30.

► An increase in the number of Firefighters from 620 to 642.

► An increase in the number of staff in Fire Safety Protection roles to help make commercial and public buildings safer.

► Maintaining night time cover at Liverpool City and Wallasey Fire Stations.

► Enhancing the Service's ability to respond to terrorist threats and environmental changes.

The changes will be funded by a reinvestment in the frontline of around ₤1m through the use of current reserves combined with robust debt repayment plans.

The end result will be a Service which is able to respond quickly and also increase its resilience when dealing with large and prolonged incidents. The increased investment will also ensure that the Service can protect business and public premises from fire, and prevention services will continue to be focused on the most vulnerable members of our community.  Fire Authority members who universally supported the new proposals described them as a breath of fresh air, after years of cuts.

The plans also confirm CFO Garrigan's commitment to invest in the Service's infrastructure and training facilities whilst maintaining Merseyside's world renowned prevention services.

Cllr. Les Byrom, Chair of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority, said of the plans:- "The Chief's innovative plans make the utmost sense for the Fire and Rescue Service and communities across Merseyside. After years of relentless and damaging government cuts these plans present us with an opportunity to move forward into the future with renewed optimism; I applaud the Chief Fire Officer and thank the Leaders and MPs across the City Region for their unswerving support for the Service.  The Authority will continue to work closely with the Chief Fire Officer and representative bodies to oppose any further government budget cuts."

The Chief Fire Officer said of the outcome:- "I have made no secret of my vision for our Fire and Rescue Service, particularly my aspiration to ensure it is equipped to meet the demands placed on a modern day fire and rescue service. This is a key step towards delivering against that ambition, delivering the very best Fire and Rescue Service in the country with the very best people at its centre. It is very reassuring to know that the Authority shares that vision. My proposals represent a defining moment for the Service and while they are challenging, they are achievable. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service deserves the investment and resources that reflect the commitment and professionalism of our operational and support staff. The approval of these plans would in my view ensure that the Service is better equipped to protect the public in the future. I would now like to invite the people of Merseyside to have their say on the proposals in our upcoming public consultation. We are listening; please make sure your views are heard."

The new proposals represent a change from the plans contained within the current Integrated Risk Management Plan and as such, they will be subject to full consultation which will cover a 12 week period, beginning 14 March 2019.

For free fire safety advice or to request a home fire safety check, call:- 0800 731 5958.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service also provides free smoke alarms for Merseyside residents aged 65 or over or those referred by partner agencies.