Closure orders granted on two Liverpool city centre newsagents

Merseyside Police can confirm it has obtained closure orders for two newsagents in Liverpool city centre.

Officers applied for the orders for Richmond News on Richmond Street and Independent News on Whitechapel under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

At Liverpool Crown court today (Friday, 21 June) the closures were granted, meaning the newsagents will remain fully closed for a period of two weeks. After that, they will be open between the reduced hours of 6am to 5pm for a period of four weeks.

The closures come in response to anti-social behaviour, crime and disorder around the premises.

Community Inspector Andy Creer said: "We welcome the closure of two newsagents in Liverpool city centre following a number of issues around the addresses.

"The order was applied for by the local policing team in response to reports of drug dealing, violence and disorder around the shops and means nobody other than those specified in the order can enter the premises for the duration of the closures. Anyone else found to be on the premises could be subject to prosecution.

"We know recent criminal activity around these addresses have caused great distress to local residents and members of the public and we hope these orders will bring a sense of relief and allow them to enjoy the area once again.

"We will continue to target individuals and associated properties involved in criminality and I would like to encourage the public to come forward and report such crime to us, so we can take action.”

Anyone with information on criminality in their community is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC. You can also call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.