Merseyside PCC Annual Report highlights investment in victims, young people and safer communities

MERSEYSIDE Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell has published her:- 'Annual Report' for 2025/26, showcasing a year of significant progress in:- reducing serious crime, investment in victim services, early intervention, and partnership working.

The report provides an overview of the Commissioner's work during the financial year and highlights progress against the priorities in her Police and Crime Plan, demonstrating how her office has worked with:- Merseyside Police, local authorities, health partners, charities and community groups to:- support victims, prevent harm and improve community safety.

Throughout the year, the PCC secured millions of pounds in additional funding for the Region, expanded support services for victims, invested in programmes for young people, strengthened neighbourhood policing and continued to hold Merseyside Police to account on behalf of the public.

Among the key achievements highlighted in the report are:-

• More than:- 75,000 victims of crime were offered or received support through:- Victim Care Merseyside.
  
• £4m committed to domestic abuse services over the next 2 years.
  
• Nearly 12,000 victims of domestic abuse and more than:- 3,200 survivors of sexual violence supported through enhanced services.
  
• £3.1m secured to support initiatives preventing crime and helping victims recover.
  
• Nearly £550,000 invested through the:- Youth Empowerment Scheme, supporting more than:- 10,000 young people through:- 27 grassroots organisations.
  
• More than 12,000 professionals trained in trauma-informed practice across Merseyside.
  
• More than 8,500 people referred into treatment and recovery programmes through:- Project ADDER.
  
• More than 180 Domestic Abuse Workplace Champions trained across:- 56 organisations.
  
• The Young Futures Prevention Programme pilot supporte:-d 90 young people, with:- 79% receiving early intervention support.

The report highlights the Commissioner's leadership of major Regional partnerships, including:- the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership, the Criminal Justice Board, the Violence Against Women and Girls programme and the Region's response to antisocial behaviour. It also details how funding secured by the PCC has supported projects across all 5 boroughs, helping communities tackle local priorities and support vulnerable residents.

Emily Spurrell, Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner, said:- "This report demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations come together around a shared goal of keeping people safe and supporting those who need us most. Creating safer communities is about much more than enforcement. It is about supporting victims to recover, providing opportunities for young people, tackling the root causes of offending, improving neighbourhoods and ensuring people feel safe where they live and work."

Emily continued:- "Over the past year, we have invested heavily in services for victims, strengthened partnerships across Merseyside and secured millions of pounds of additional funding to support communities. I am particularly proud of the work taking place through Victim Care Merseyside, our Violence Reduction Partnership and our Youth Empowerment Scheme. Together, these programmes are helping people at some of the most difficult moments in their lives while also preventing future harm and creating opportunities for the next generation. There is always much more to do, but this report shows the progress we are making together as we continue working towards a safer, stronger Merseyside."

Despite continued challenges facing policing nationally, the report, the fifth produced by the PCC, also reveals Merseyside Police remain the highest graded metropolitan force in England and Wales and has once again retained its:- "Outstanding" rating for tackling Serious and Organised Crime.

Among the headline achievements:-

• Homicides fell by:- 36%.
  
• Firearm discharges decreased by:- 24%.
  
• 460 County Lines were closed and:- 1,334 arrests made through:- Project Medusa.
  
• More than 250kg of controlled drugs were seized, alongside:- 197 knives and 107 other weapons.
  
• Residential burglaries fell by:- 9.5%, while business burglaries fell by:- 16%.
  
• More than 75,000 victims of crime were offered or received support through:- Victim Care Merseyside.
  
• £3.1m was secured for initiatives to prevent crime and support victims.
  
• £2.4m was secured to tackle antisocial behaviour and serious violence in hotspot areas, contributing to a:- 4% reduction in serious violence in those locations.

The report also reflects the Commissioner's role in scrutinising and holding Merseyside Police to account, supporting transparency and ensuring public concerns are reflected in policing priorities. It details the appointment of a new Chief Constable, investment in neighbourhood policing and ongoing work to strengthen trust and confidence in policing across the Region.

Emily Spurrell added:- "This year has brought both significant challenges and real progress for our Region. We have welcomed a new Chief Constable, strengthened neighbourhood policing and delivered substantial reductions in some of the most serious crimes affecting our communities. These results are a testament to the professionalism, dedication and determination of Merseyside Police Officers, PCSOs, staff and our partners, who continue to work tirelessly to keep people safe. I would like to thank them all for their commitment and service throughout the year."

As required by law, the PCC must produce an annual report. The final version was officially published today following its presentation to the Police and Crime Panel, the independent body responsible for scrutinising her work.

Presented as an interactive report featuring case studies, infographics and examples from across Merseyside, the document demonstrates how investment, prevention and partnership working are helping to improve outcomes for communities and victims across the Region.

Members of the public are invited to review the PCC's work set out in the Annual Report 2025/26 and share their feedback to help shape future priorities.

To read the full report, click here.  

Alternatively, watch a video summarising the Annual report here.