Criminal Behaviour Order - Natalie Richards

We are welcoming a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) issued against a woman who has been involved in anti-social behaviour in the Sheil Road area of Liverpool. 

Natalie Richards, 31 years, of no fixed address was charged with being a person persistently loitering for the purposes of prostitution, and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

The order, which started on Thursday, 21 March, prohibits Natalie Richards from:

1) Carry any knife or bladed article in any public place
2) Within the county of Merseyside use abusive, threatening or offensive words or behaviour, including but not limited to shouting and swearing, that causes harassment alarm or distress to any person
3) Enter the area outlined in black on the attached map

Any breach of these conditions will result in further action being taken.

Community Inspector Bobby Woodhall said: "We have worked with partners to address the ongoing issues relating to sex work in the Sheil Road area, and the impact it is having on what is a busy residential area.

"Criminal Behaviour Orders are one of many tools available to us to tackle this, and I hope the issuing of this CBO will reassure the wider community that we will deal robustly with anyone who has a negative impact on our communities.

"This is a wide-ranging and complex issue which we recognise requires engagement and work from all of our partner agencies, local MPs and councillors, and those in the community.

"Local policing teams work closely with residents and partners, engaging directly with the sex workers themselves and educating them on litter, community concerns, law and anti-social behaviour as well as safety messages.

"When people do not engage, or fail to put our advice into practice, it might be necessary to take further action.

"We will continue to listen to community concerns and, more importantly, act upon them."

Insp Woodhall added: “Criminal Behavioural Orders are an extremely effective way of tackling persistent offenders who cause misery with anti-social behaviour.

"Any breach of this order up will result in further action being taken against Richards, and we will act on all information provided should she breach any of these conditions.

"This orders will improve the life of people who have suffered from her behaviour, and with the public’s help we will keep taking positive steps to make the Fairfield and Kensington areas safer places to live."

Anyone with information on anti-social behaviour is asked to contact local officers, message our social media desk @MerPolCC, call 101 or the independent charity @CrimestoppersUK anonymously, on 0800 555 111.