16 organized crime gangs are bringing ‘pain and suffering’ to the streets of Merseyside

Police said they will never stop stopping serious and organized crime groups

Police have identified 16 organized crime gangs (OCGs) currently active in part of Merseyside. The OCGs are known to be located throughout the Knowsley area and their main activities focus on car theft, commercial robberies and drug trafficking.

According to a report presented at the latest meeting of the Merseyside Police and Crime Panel at Huyton Municipal Building last week, information about Knowsley’s OCGs is the result of several high-profile investigations, but is also attributed to community policing initiatives and intelligence provided by local residents.

Every year, Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Emily Spurrell awards grants to organizations across Merseyside working to reduce crime and disorder in the region. In 2023/2024, Ms Spurrell awarded grants totaling £1,971 million to all five local authorities in the region and two voluntary organizations to help deliver her key priorities in building stronger and safer communities.

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As part of this funding programme, Knowsley Council received a Crime and Disorder Grant of £181,000, which enabled a range of investments in local community projects around education, crime prevention and victim support. Reference was also made to the Knowsley Community Safety Plan 2022-25, which has helped police and local authorities assess and manage the risks associated with serious crime – its spread and impact on communities.