The space had previously become a violent no-go area of the city before measures were introduced
The city centre green space became a crime hotspot(Image: Liverpool Echo)
A space that was destined to be a city centre oasis, where people could relax and enjoy a central green space, was plagued with horrific anti-social behaviour and sexual offences. But as Merseyside Police fought against the sharp rise in these crimes at St John’s Gardens, they were able to secure funding to crackdown on the criminality that had plagued the area.
Nestled behind the historic St George’s Hall and near key city institutions such as the Walker Art Gallery, the World Museum and the Central Library. The gardens were previously used as a cemetery before the land was redeveloped as a memorial garden in 1904.
Today, it sits proudly in the centre of Liverpool and hosts a plethora of Grade II listed statues honouring figures like philanthropist William Rathbone and former Prime Minister William Gladstone.
In the last 22 years, St John’s Gardens has been a designated Green Flag site, an award which recognises well managed parks and green spaces across the UK.
The gardens should be a jewel in the crown of the city centre, a place where people can enjoy the history of Liverpool as well as soaking up the sun come the warmer months.
But at the beginning of last year, the ECHO looked at the persistent problems that have plagued the green space. Two incidents referenced in the feature highlighted reports that a man in his 30s was raped by another man on January 13, 2024, and reports that a woman had been raped in the early hours by a man on November 9, just two months earlier.
The situation became a massive concern and Merseyside Police was able to claim funding towards new safety measures in March 2014. This led to new security cameras in the gardens as well as improved street lighting.
The camera and speaker system installed in St John’s Gardens
Between January and June this year, 16 criminal offences were recorded, a 38% reduction from the same period in 2024. This follows on from previous reductions recorded last year, Merseyside Police told the ECHO.
In addition to the crime figures, just two offences of anti-social behaviour were recorded between January and June this year.
Speaking to the ECHO, City Centre North Labour Councillor Nick Small described the crimes as “horrific” before explaining how there has been a clamp down on criminality in the area in a collaboration from the council and police.
When the ECHO visited St John’s Gardens earlier this week, it was how the space should be all year round. People filled the grass as they enjoyed the space for what it is, a city centre oasis.
City Centre North Labour Councillor said: “I welcome the news that crime figures for St John’s Gardens are down. As councillors we’ve been working very closely with the police, City Safe and community groups to make St John’s Gardens safer, especially at night.
“The cameras and speakers are helping a lot with this. Liverpool has a safe and inclusive night-time economy with Purple Flag status – and we want to keep it that way.”
Liverpool city centre Local Policing Sergeant Carol McCartney said: “We continue to look for ways to build on the positives already achieved last year.
People relaxing in St John’s Gardens(Image: Andrew Teebay/Liverpool Echo)
“A help point has also now been installed on the main pathway through the gardens, which is of great use and reassurance to those who frequent the area. It activated a direct link to Citywatch so help can be quickly deployed.
“We are still working closely alongside community partners including Liverpool City Council and Positive Pathways’ youth outreach team to hold family events like the Big Picnic event in the gardens, youth engagement events and celebrating International Women’s Day.
“These events bring together so many vital, informative organisations so keep an eye on Positive Pathways, the council and Liverpool Police on social media.
“More events and initiatives are being planned and we constantly look at ways to improve safety across the city and Merseyside, especially as we move into the summer holiday period, which can bring additional issues.
“Proactive policing work continues so we can keep the positive momentum going, including open land searches and high visibility patrols. Officers from Operation Interface within our Prevention team have also patrolled the gardens, with a focus on preventing, educating and protecting the Merseyside community from serious violence and knife crime.”
Anyone with information about crime or antisocial behaviour in St John’s Gardens or elsewhere is asked to contact @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook. You can also call 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.