Town Centre — Neighbourhood Policing Team

Anti-social behaviour involving street drinkers within the town centre.

A PSPO has been introduced to prohibit the possession of open alcohol containers in the town centre. We have issued multiple warnings and many up to the next level of fixed penalty. We have received feedback that the PSPO is working. We are also working with partner agencies to create diversionary activities and design out crime tactics to make the area less desirable for street drinkers.

Set: 2025-06-27

Anti-social behaviour involving street drinkers and youths within the town centre and retail crimes at St Helens Retail park and Matalan

PSPO entered the 2nd phase with new signs being designed and new locations identified as more prominent locations. Street drinkers continue to be dealt with via PSPO legislation. Funding for fencing around church has been approved ready for works to commence

Set: 2025-09-10

Drug Dealing/supply mainly, ASB and Hate crimes, particular issues on Bolton Close.

HVP/Passing attention daily in prime hotspot areas . Regular reassurance visits for those dealing with repeated ASB and shoplifting. Partnership working with James Dunn of the Rainhill CIC to work with the youths in the town to try to bridge the gap between the youths and the police and to try to talk with them to get an understanding of why they are behaving the way they do. Also to try to provide them with diversionary activities for a long-term solution rather than just a short-term policing plan. Working collaboratively with St. Helens Councils Safer Communities Team to make the town a safer place for the public and the people that work within the town centre.

Set: 2025-09-10

Identifying and tackling the sources of ketamine into the town centre.

we have a day of action at St Helens College, (27th November) to help tackle ketamine, this is with all partners inc Council, College, YPDAAT, YOT, VIBE.

Set: 2025-09-12

Theft shops in the town centre.

We have seen an increase in theft shops in the town centre in the run up to the Christmas period. We have Officers from our investigations department dedicated to solving theft shop crimes, identifying offenders and bringing them to justice. We have issued and continuing to issue multiple community Protection Notices to repeat offenders.

Set: 2025-12-01

Anti social behaviour at Foundary wharf. People causing issues at the canal involving littering and drug misuse.

Local policing officers have regularly patrolled Foundary Wharf and the canal towpath in both uniform and plain clothes, conducting numerous stop checks where required. Due to the increased presence, there has been a reduction in the amount of litter and signs of drug use.

Set: 2025-12-19

The use of ketamine and associate ASB in the town centre remains a priority in this area

Officers have increased patrols in hotspot locations and are working closely with partner agencies to tackle the issue. Funding has been sought to support outreach workers and diversionary activities aimed at young people. The team has also delivered school inputs to highlight the serious health risks linked to ketamine use. Recent enforcement activity has led to several significant arrests, including a male youth now on bail for possession with intent to supply as enquiries continue.

Set: 2026-03-03

Anti-social behaviour involving street drinkers and youths within the town centre and retail crime at St Helens Retail park are current priorities for this area

Set: 2026-06-08