Latest news with #GraemeRobson
ITV News
10 hours ago
- ITV News
Merseyside Police officer admits 'something had to change' after three fatal shootings in a week
Granada Reports' Zoe Muldoon spoke to Detective Chief Superintendent Graeme Robson, who leads Operation Evolve at Merseyside Police. A senior police officer has acknowledged "that something had to change" after an unprecedented year, which saw three fatal shootings in the space of a week. Merseyside Police was one of the first in the country to receive Home Office funding for a Clear, Hold, Build initiative – known as Evolve – following the deaths of Olivia Pratt-Korbel, nine, 28-year-old environmental health worker Ashley Dale and Sam Rimmer, 22, in August 2022. Three years on from its launch, the force says the scheme – now rolled out across four areas – has led to a 300% increase in community intelligence. It says it has resulted in: More than 5,300 arrests; The seizure of 630kg of Class A and B drugs; More than 260 offensive weapons and 28 firearms taken off the streets; and £2.5 million in cash and assets seized - which is being reinvested into communities. "That was an unprecedented time for the force," Detective Chief Superintendent Graeme Robson told ITV News. "You go back to the summer of 2022 and within a very short space of time, we lost Sam (Rimmer), Ashley (Dale) and Olivia (Pratt-Korbel) in just over a week. "The impact, certainly across the force, but across local communities, was significant. "We have a strong track record in Merseyside of tackling organised crime, but we all felt something had to change in 2022, and that was the catalyst for us launching Evolve." What is Evolve? The Merseyside Police initiative focuses on three areas: Clear - focuses on disrupting and removing criminality from local communities. Hold - looks to stabilise the local area and prevent the reemergence of criminality. Build - police and other partners work towards making communities safer, more robust and less vulnerable to organised crime. 'People feel safer' Detective Chief Superintendent Robson explained that the initiative is about more than just reducing crime. "We've seen some good statistical changes in those areas, but Evolve is bigger than that," he said. "It's about people's lives. "What communities are telling us in these areas is that they do feel safer and that they do feel as though things have changed for the better, that they are more confident in reporting information and intelligence to the police and other agencies and that they have the confidence that we will take action. "We have seen reductions in crime and anti-social behaviour, we've seen some real reductions in firearms discharges, in particular, and homicides as well. "But it's the quality of life that people say has changed significantly, and I think that's a real success story." The Evolve project was launched in Wirral following the death of Elle Edwards, 26, who was killed in a shooting outside a pub on Christmas Eve 2022. There are also projects running in Netherton and the Everton and Vauxhall areas. DCS Robson dismissed the suggestion that a rise in the number of crimes being reported was a short-term response to a flurry of crimes, rather than about long-term change. "We've invested heavily, not just from the force but from partner agencies, but the biggest part of this has been the community buy-in," he added. "This isn't something that the police have done in isolation; we've worked really hard to involve them, and when you look across the Evolve areas, we've had countless community action days, clean-ups, people really showing that they are taking pride in their local areas. "We are three years on from the summer of 2022, and we've seen a sustained reduction in some of the indicators that show that serious and organised crime are prevalent in the area." Despite lengthy prison sentences being handed to the men responsible for murdering Olivia Pratt-Korbel and Ashley Dale, so far, no one has been charged in relation to the deaths of Sam Rimmer and Ellis Cox. DCS Robson acknowledged that more work needs to be done to tackle the stigma around talking to police, despite some successes. "You sometimes hear people talk about a 'no grass culture' in Merseyside, and the reality is, particularly when tragic events happen, our community response is really strong," he explained. "We've had some invaluable help from communities that have helped us to solve some of these tragic murder investigations and give families the closure that they so desperately need. "That hasn't happened in every case, and that is something we are desperately trying to put right. "We understand that there will be people who will be scared about giving information, and they will be scared about the repercussions, but we also know that people have done that in some of our successful murder investigations and that has allowed us to put people before the courts and give families the justice they want. "But absolutely, we want this every time someone loses a life to criminality in Merseyside, whether that's for Sam's family or Ellis' family, or for any unsolved murder. "That's something we want to happen. "But our communities here have got a strong track record of supporting the police in response to these incidents, but we are keen that people have confidence in us to give us information either directly or through Crimestoppers - no matter how insignificant they think that information is. "One phone call could make a significant difference in one of our open investigations, and that is what we are keen that people are able to do." 'We're not complacent' DCS Robson said that the force won't be resting on its laurels. "We're not complacent, these issues haven't gone away, there will always be people who want to take advantage of vulnerable people in society and will look to profit from others' misery," he explained. "We know that it is going to be a constant challenge for police and partners, and that's why we are committed to Evolve for the long term.
Glasgow Times
a day ago
- Glasgow Times
Communities ‘have more confidence in police' three years on from fatal shootings
Merseyside Police was one of the first forces in the country to receive Home Office funding for a Clear, Hold, Build initiative – known locally as Evolve – following the deaths of Olivia Pratt-Korbel, nine, 28-year-old environmental health worker Ashley Dale and Sam Rimmer, 22, in August 2022. Three years on from its launch, the force says the scheme – now rolled out across four areas – has led to a 300% increase in community intelligence. Detective Chief Superintendent Graeme Robson at Olivia's Tree in memory of Olivia Pratt-Korbel (Merseyside Police/PA) It has also led to more than 5,300 arrests and the seizure of about 630kg of Class A and B drugs, more than 260 offensive weapons, 28 firearms and about £2.5 million in cash and assets – which is being reinvested into communities. Detective Chief Superintendent Graeme Robson said the three murders 'rocked' the area, but police had seen a 'strong and positive response'. He said: 'We get a really good response from communities who want to work with us. 'They don't want these kind of tragedies to occur in their communities. 'One of the other things we've seen as Evolve is our intelligence reporting from communities is far higher across our four Evolve areas than it was previously which I think is a sign that those communities have confidence in reporting information because they want us to do something about it.' Olivia Pratt-Korbel was killed almost three years ago by a drug dealer who chased another man into her home in Dovecot, Liverpool (Merseyside Police/PA) Merseyside police and crime commissioner Emily Spurrell said: 'I think one of the biggest successes of the Evolve project has been the 300% increase in intelligence from our communities. 'That is obviously really significant because it means the communities do have more confidence in the police now.' As part of the scheme, community events have been held, including weekly sessions provided by Everton in the Community and the LFC Foundation. Funding has been provided for a memorial for Olivia. The Evolve project was launched in Wirral following the death of Elle Edwards, 26, who was killed in a shooting outside a pub on Christmas Eve 2022. There are also projects running in Netherton and the Everton and Vauxhall area. Olivia Pratt-Korbel's mother Cheryl Korbel (third right) and Tim Edwards, father of shooting victim Elle Edwards (second right) with representatives of Merseyside Police and other organisations involved in the Evolve scheme (Merseyside Police/PA) Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said: 'It has been three years since the launch of the first two Evolve projects in Liverpool and Knowsley, and Wirral following the tragic deaths of Sam, Ashley, Olivia and Elle that sent shockwaves of grief through our communities. 'The heart of Evolve is partnership and its success is a testament to the dedication of our officers, staff, partners and residents who have come together and worked tirelessly to make Evolve areas safer and more resilient. 'The hard work, commitment and collaborative spirit are making a real difference – building trust, reducing harm and creating neighbourhoods where everyone can feel safe and supported. 'Evolve has made significant progress in disrupting and dismantling criminal networks, safeguarding vulnerable people, and restoring a sense of pride and security to neighbourhoods. 'I want to thank everyone involved for the achievements we have made together so far.'
The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- The Herald Scotland
Communities ‘have more confidence in police' three years on from fatal shootings
Three years on from its launch, the force says the scheme – now rolled out across four areas – has led to a 300% increase in community intelligence. Detective Chief Superintendent Graeme Robson at Olivia's Tree in memory of Olivia Pratt-Korbel (Merseyside Police/PA) It has also led to more than 5,300 arrests and the seizure of about 630kg of Class A and B drugs, more than 260 offensive weapons, 28 firearms and about £2.5 million in cash and assets – which is being reinvested into communities. Detective Chief Superintendent Graeme Robson said the three murders 'rocked' the area, but police had seen a 'strong and positive response'. He said: 'We get a really good response from communities who want to work with us. 'They don't want these kind of tragedies to occur in their communities. 'One of the other things we've seen as Evolve is our intelligence reporting from communities is far higher across our four Evolve areas than it was previously which I think is a sign that those communities have confidence in reporting information because they want us to do something about it.' Olivia Pratt-Korbel was killed almost three years ago by a drug dealer who chased another man into her home in Dovecot, Liverpool (Merseyside Police/PA) Merseyside police and crime commissioner Emily Spurrell said: 'I think one of the biggest successes of the Evolve project has been the 300% increase in intelligence from our communities. 'That is obviously really significant because it means the communities do have more confidence in the police now.' As part of the scheme, community events have been held, including weekly sessions provided by Everton in the Community and the LFC Foundation. Funding has been provided for a memorial for Olivia. The Evolve project was launched in Wirral following the death of Elle Edwards, 26, who was killed in a shooting outside a pub on Christmas Eve 2022. There are also projects running in Netherton and the Everton and Vauxhall area. Olivia Pratt-Korbel's mother Cheryl Korbel (third right) and Tim Edwards, father of shooting victim Elle Edwards (second right) with representatives of Merseyside Police and other organisations involved in the Evolve scheme (Merseyside Police/PA) Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said: 'It has been three years since the launch of the first two Evolve projects in Liverpool and Knowsley, and Wirral following the tragic deaths of Sam, Ashley, Olivia and Elle that sent shockwaves of grief through our communities. 'The heart of Evolve is partnership and its success is a testament to the dedication of our officers, staff, partners and residents who have come together and worked tirelessly to make Evolve areas safer and more resilient. 'The hard work, commitment and collaborative spirit are making a real difference – building trust, reducing harm and creating neighbourhoods where everyone can feel safe and supported. 'Evolve has made significant progress in disrupting and dismantling criminal networks, safeguarding vulnerable people, and restoring a sense of pride and security to neighbourhoods. 'I want to thank everyone involved for the achievements we have made together so far.'
Western Telegraph
a day ago
- Western Telegraph
Communities ‘have more confidence in police' three years on from fatal shootings
Merseyside Police was one of the first forces in the country to receive Home Office funding for a Clear, Hold, Build initiative – known locally as Evolve – following the deaths of Olivia Pratt-Korbel, nine, 28-year-old environmental health worker Ashley Dale and Sam Rimmer, 22, in August 2022. Three years on from its launch, the force says the scheme – now rolled out across four areas – has led to a 300% increase in community intelligence. Detective Chief Superintendent Graeme Robson at Olivia's Tree in memory of Olivia Pratt-Korbel (Merseyside Police/PA) It has also led to more than 5,300 arrests and the seizure of about 630kg of Class A and B drugs, more than 260 offensive weapons, 28 firearms and about £2.5 million in cash and assets – which is being reinvested into communities. Detective Chief Superintendent Graeme Robson said the three murders 'rocked' the area, but police had seen a 'strong and positive response'. He said: 'We get a really good response from communities who want to work with us. 'They don't want these kind of tragedies to occur in their communities. 'One of the other things we've seen as Evolve is our intelligence reporting from communities is far higher across our four Evolve areas than it was previously which I think is a sign that those communities have confidence in reporting information because they want us to do something about it.' Olivia Pratt-Korbel was killed almost three years ago by a drug dealer who chased another man into her home in Dovecot, Liverpool (Merseyside Police/PA) Merseyside police and crime commissioner Emily Spurrell said: 'I think one of the biggest successes of the Evolve project has been the 300% increase in intelligence from our communities. 'That is obviously really significant because it means the communities do have more confidence in the police now.' As part of the scheme, community events have been held, including weekly sessions provided by Everton in the Community and the LFC Foundation. Funding has been provided for a memorial for Olivia. The Evolve project was launched in Wirral following the death of Elle Edwards, 26, who was killed in a shooting outside a pub on Christmas Eve 2022. There are also projects running in Netherton and the Everton and Vauxhall area. Olivia Pratt-Korbel's mother Cheryl Korbel (third right) and Tim Edwards, father of shooting victim Elle Edwards (second right) with representatives of Merseyside Police and other organisations involved in the Evolve scheme (Merseyside Police/PA) Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said: 'It has been three years since the launch of the first two Evolve projects in Liverpool and Knowsley, and Wirral following the tragic deaths of Sam, Ashley, Olivia and Elle that sent shockwaves of grief through our communities. 'The heart of Evolve is partnership and its success is a testament to the dedication of our officers, staff, partners and residents who have come together and worked tirelessly to make Evolve areas safer and more resilient. 'The hard work, commitment and collaborative spirit are making a real difference – building trust, reducing harm and creating neighbourhoods where everyone can feel safe and supported. 'Evolve has made significant progress in disrupting and dismantling criminal networks, safeguarding vulnerable people, and restoring a sense of pride and security to neighbourhoods. 'I want to thank everyone involved for the achievements we have made together so far.'
