Operation EVOLVE delivers major crime reduction across Everton and Vauxhall 

A year after the launch of a major multi-agency operation to tackle serious and organised crime, Everton and Vauxhall are seeing significant and measurable improvements.

EVOLVE Everton-Vauxhall, the fourth Clear, Hold, Build initiative rolled out across Merseyside, was launched last January after the areas were identified as needing a long-term, partnership-led approach to reducing crime and improving community safety.

The Home Office-backed Clear, Hold, Build model focuses on disrupting criminal activity, stabilising neighbourhoods and supporting communities to build resilience for the future, working closely with residents, councils and local organisations.

Since EVOLVE was introduced, Merseyside Police and partners have recorded:

• 117 arrests
• 31 weapons seized
• 1.9kg of Class A drugs, 22kg of Class B drugs and 85kg of Class C drugs recovered
• 120 warrants executed
• 630 stop searches carried out
• 42 safeguarding referrals made
• 528 intelligence submissions, a 28% increase on the previous year

Crime data over the past 12 months also shows positive change across the area, with arrests up by 7%, violence with injury down by 11% and residential burglaries falling by 13%. Antisocial behaviour has reduced by 6%, while violence without injury is also down by 6%.

Recorded drug dealing offences have increased by 72%, which police say reflects proactive enforcement and improved intelligence rather than a rise in activity. Overall crime has increased by 2%, driven largely by this increased detection.

Superintendent Tony Fairhurst, one of the senior officers leading EVOLVE Everton-Vauxhall, said tackling drug-related activity has been central to the operation’s success.

He said: “Drug crime fuels serious and organised criminality and has a direct impact on the safety and wellbeing of our communities. Our proactive approach has led to more offenders being identified and more vulnerable people being safeguarded.

“We’ve made real progress in clearing criminality from the area and preventing others from filling that void. Just as importantly, we’re seeing a substantial increase in intelligence from the community, showing growing confidence in the work being done.

“This is only the start of the journey. We’ll continue working with partners to ensure Everton and Vauxhall are places people feel proud to live, work and visit.”

The Build phase of EVOLVE began last March, focusing on long-term prevention and community engagement. One of the first initiatives was the rollout of Dear Merseyside, a powerful spoken-word project led by poet Joseph Roberts, delivered through assemblies and workshops in secondary schools across north Liverpool.

The project reached around 2,500 Year 8 pupils last year and is now being expanded to more than 5,000 Year 7 and 8 pupils across targeted areas. It encourages young people to challenge violence, reject exploitation and play an active role in shaping their communities.

Superintendent Fairhurst added: “Listening to young people and working alongside them is key to reducing crime and building safer neighbourhoods for future generations.”

Other community-led initiatives have included a participatory budgeting event, where pupils from North Liverpool Academy selected ten local groups to each receive £5,000 to support projects in the area.

Partners including Liverpool City Council, Merseyside Police, third sector organisations and youth providers continue to work together through groups such as the Anfield and Everton Disarm Group, focusing on crime hotspots, antisocial behaviour and mentoring opportunities for young people.

Environmental improvements have also played a role, with council teams clearing overgrown hedges, improving lighting and carrying out works designed to reduce crime and encourage pride in the area. Regular Days of Action see officers and partners speaking directly with residents and promoting reporting through Crimestoppers.

Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Neighbourhoods and Streetscene, said: “All partners involved in EVOLVE are committed to tackling the root causes of serious violence so residents can live without fear. Joint working really does make a difference.”

Merseyside Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said the results show what can be achieved when communities and agencies work together.

She said: “EVOLVE Everton-Vauxhall has shown real progress over the past 12 months, from reductions in violence and burglary to increased safeguarding and intelligence.

“Young people have been central to that success, helping to shape a safer and more confident future for their communities. There is more to do, but this is a neighbourhood growing stronger every day.”

EVOLVE continues across Everton and Vauxhall as partners build on the progress made and focus on long-term change.

Get more information about EVOLVE here.

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