Overview

• Residents describe groups of children and teenagers, some reportedly as young as six, committing serious offences including carrying knives, breaking into homes, setting fires and using racist and homophobic abuse.
• Locals say they are frightened to report incidents, citing threats of violent retaliation such as firebombing against anyone who complains.
• Merseyside Police confirm a rise in anti-social behaviour and say a youth was arrested for harassment and bailed, another will be interviewed over an alleged assault, and several young people have received warnings under Acceptable Behaviour Contracts.
• The force says overall crime in Garston fell by 6% in 2024 and 8% in 2023, even as anti-social behaviour has increased in specific hotspots.
• Officials outline measures including high-visibility foot patrols and targeted patrols in 2025, potential CCTV installation, diversionary activities such as boxing sessions and a school ‘mini police’ scheme, with Crimestoppers offered for anonymous reporting.