Police have vowed to catch the yobs responsible for smashing their way into a cricket club in Birkenhead Park – the latest in a spate of vandalism attacks in the historic green space.
Burglars kicked and hit metal shutters to enter Birkenhead St Mary’s Cricket Club and steal alcohol on Monday night – just days after a raid at the park’s visitor centre.
Although it is unclear if the two incidents are connected, in both cases three men used a sledgehammer to break into the buildings through the front doors.
In September, the park’s 168-year-old Swiss Bridge was seriously damaged by flames and requires significant structural reconstruction before it can be used again.
Neighbourhood Inspector Georgina Minnery said: “This incident comes very soon after the visitors’ centre at the park was broken into, and we are working hard to trace those responsible for both incident and continue to reduce burglaries, in this area. We know that this type of crime can have a massive effect on businesses and individuals and we are pro-actively investigating both incidents.
“We are fully focused on trying to help protect the local community against burglaries like this and take them very seriously. We continue to run regular operations to target known offenders and also offer crime prevention advice to home and business owners.
“Finally, I would like to appeal to the public, to come forward with any information about this incident, to contact 101 number. Information can also be anonymously reported to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
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Click me Birkenhead Park security measures increasedSecurity at Birkenhead Park is set to increase following a spate of vandalism and break-ins, with new crime reduction measures including extra patrols, improved CCTV and marking of property with unique security codes.
Cllr Chris Meaden, Cabinet member for Leisure, Sport and Culture, said: “We were all disgusted to see the damage done by criminals to amenities at our much-loved Birkenhead Park. We are committed to ensuring this community resource is protected and are working closely with the police to implement extra security and various measures to reduce crime. With the full support of the police, community leaders and local residents groups we will be able to reduce crime and tackle anti-social behaviour.”
The Visitor’s Centre at the park was originally designed to reduce the likelihood of being subject to burglary, with expert advice from Police Crime Reduction Officers, and this was the first time it has been targeted since it was built. The alarm was received by the Council Control Room on the night of the break-in and Community Patrols were dispatched swiftly. They were in attendance in six minutes, helping to stop the criminals getting far beyond the front door.
Property inside the Visitor Centre will now be marked with a unique code and a spray which marks anyone inside the building when the intruder alarm is activated will be installed. CCTV will be stepped up, with extra cameras, and increased resolution. New external sensors will be linked to audible warnings and spotlights to illuminate intruders. Furthermore, Community Patrol Officers have been tasked to focus extra attention to the park and its boundary.
Merseyside Police are advising on what extra measures can be made to deter further criminal activity against the park and they are increasing their patrols, targeting the times of day and locations highlighted by shared intelligence as having a higher chance or crimes taking place.
Anyone with any information on the crimes against Birkenhead Park should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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