Merseyside Police have charged two men in connection with separate business burglaries that occurred in Liverpool city centre. The arrests and charges are part of the force’s ongoing ‘Winter of Action’ initiative, aimed at tackling crime and ensuring the safety of town centres during the festive period and beyond.
Key Takeaways
- Two men have been charged with multiple offences related to business burglaries in Liverpool city centre.
- The charges include burglary, theft, and obstructing police.
- The incidents involved the theft of spirits and cigarettes from local businesses.
- The arrests are part of Merseyside Police’s ‘Winter of Action’ campaign.
Incidents and Arrests
In early December, officers responded to reports of thefts from businesses in the city centre. One incident on Friday, December 5th, involved the theft of spirits from a bar on Great Charlotte Street. Three days later, on Monday, December 8th, a report was received regarding the theft of cigarettes from a Sainsbury’s store on William Jessop Way.
Following investigations, Peter Davies, 46, of no fixed abode, was arrested and subsequently charged with two counts of burglary and theft. He has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on January 6th.
In a separate investigation, a burglary was reported at a bar near Liverpool One, where bottles of spirits were stolen. A man was arrested by officers on patrol on Tuesday, December 9th, in connection with this incident. Connor McBlain, 38, of no fixed abode, has been charged with burglary and obstructing police, the latter relating to the provision of false details upon arrest. McBlain has also been remanded and is due to appear at Liverpool Magistrates Court on December 11th.
Reassurance and Prevention
Liverpool City Centre Neighbourhood Inspector Jack Woodward expressed hope that these outcomes would provide reassurance to business owners, staff, and the community. He emphasised that stealing from businesses is not a victimless crime and can significantly impact both individuals and organisations.
Inspector Woodward also took the opportunity to remind business owners of preventative measures they can implement to enhance security, such as identifying and reinforcing potential entry points and utilising CCTV systems. Information on business crime prevention is available on the Merseyside Police website.
The force is working with partners, including Liverpool BID and Liverpool Nightlife CIC, as part of its commitment to safeguarding businesses in Merseyside. This collaborative effort aims to prevent crime and address repeat offenders, thereby protecting staff, customers, and businesses.
Winter of Action Initiative
Burglary is one of the crime types targeted under Merseyside Police’s ‘Winter of Action’ campaign, which runs until January 31st, 2026. This major policing initiative is designed to enhance safety in town centres throughout the festive season and beyond by actively tackling crime, reassuring residents, and ensuring high streets are welcoming and secure for everyone.
