A Crime Alert for the residents of North Sefton from Merseyside Police.

Burglaries

Walmer Road (shed),Preston New Road (garage), Compton Road, Liverpool Road.

The Police are asking householders to ensure that doors and windows are fully secure at all times, this advice follows a number of burglaries in the past few months when property was left insecure and entry was made easy for the burglars.

A Warning Message.

Intelligence suggests that the occupants of a red Vauxhall Mokka vehicle are offering to carry out work on the homes of elderly residents. The work is carried out but at vastly inflated prices. The occupants are possibly carrying out this practice across the North West.

A Message from your Local Community Police Team.

This is a crime alert message so please read the following information closely.

Over recent weeks we have had some incidents where it has been reported that suspect males have called at the home addresses of our elderly residents and insisted upon carrying out repair work to their homes which in most cases has not been necessary. Repair work to roofs, gutters and jet washing of driveways are the type of work offered and then charged at over-inflated prices.

They have convinced the resident that this work is necessary and insisted upon payment before any work is carried out. On some occasions money has been handed to these suspects who have then left without carrying out any work as promised. At other times the workmen have offered to take residents to cash points to obtain the money for payment.

In each incident the suspects have been described as white males using a variety of vehicles, particularly white flat-back vans. If anybody has any information which would assist in identifying these suspects or the registration numbers of any vehicles used in this type of crime then please call Southport Local Policing Team at Southport Police Station via 101

If anybody calls to your home address in these circumstances then call the police immediately, via 101.

My advice is to communicate through your locked door and DO NOT agree to any work to be carried out by persons calling at your home address (Cold Callers). Tell the individuals that you are calling the police to check that they are legitimate trades persons.

If these people call and state that the work is urgent the likelihood is that it is not. If you have concerns that this work is necessary then I would advise that you call a reputable company and receive a number of quotes before committing to the work being done. Do not be fooled, these people will sound friendly and convincing. They are not, they are bogus tradesmen and their sole aim is to deceive you and take money in payment for work not started or completed.

UPDATE | Andrew Burke to face murder trial over death of Southport travel agent Cassie Hayes

Andrew Thomas Burke age 30 of Vincent Street, St Helens has been charged with murder and possession of an offensive weapon following the tragic incident on Saturday 13^th January in Southport. Burke appeared in court on Monday 15^th.

21 year-old man charged with attempted murder after Southport shooting

Shooting in Eastbank Street on 21^st December.

Merseyside Police can confirm a 21 year old man has been charged with attempted murder, ABH(Actual Bodily Harm)and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. Jamie Bridge, of Wyresdale Road Walton, appeared before South Sefton Magistrates court on Saturday 13^th January.