A Christmas message from your Police Commissioner
19.12.25
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Merseyside
Merseyside’s Police Commissioner has released her Christmas message ahead of the 2025 festive season, reflecting on a challenging year, and looking forward, with optimism, to 2026.
As 2025 draws to a close, this festive season offers us a moment to reflect on a year that has brought both profound challenges and inspiring achievements for Merseyside.
This year has once again tested our region.
The anniversary of the Southport tragedy reminded us of the devastating impact violence can have on innocent lives and whilst the sentencing of the perpetrator brought a measure of justice, it cannot erase the pain felt by the victims’ families and all of those affected as well as the wider community.
To all who continue to live with the consequences, we stand with you. Your courage and resilience inspire us every day.
Similarly, the Water Street incident earlier this year shocked our city, during a time of joy and celebration, leaving physical and emotional scars that will take time to heal, brought to life so vividly by the victim impact statements read out in court last week.
It proved to be one of the most challenging investigations in the history of Merseyside Police; 134 victims supported, including many young children, with hundreds of statements gathered from more than 1,500 witnesses. I want to again express my sincere thanks to Merseyside Police and their emergency colleagues for their bravery and quick response. There is no doubt that their selfless actions ensured casualties received immediate care and support, miraculously, resulting in no loss of life.
Yet, alongside the challenges, there have been reasons for hope and pride.
Our Safer Streets Summer initiative delivered tangible improvements, from increased patrols and a crackdown on retail crime and illegal bikes in our town centres. Notably, we saw a 450% increase in intelligence reporting, directly contributing to arrests, charges and vehicle seizures across Merseyside. Building on that success, the Winter of Action campaign is now underway, targeting burglary and violent crime during the festive season when we know vulnerability can increase.
We also invested in the future through our Youth Empowerment Scheme, which has reached more than 20,000 young people across Merseyside, providing mentorship, skills training, and opportunities to steer away from crime. These young voices are shaping a safer tomorrow, and their energy gives us reason to believe in lasting change.
8 year old Emily Coomer who designed the PCC’s official Christmas card for 2025.
None of these achievements would be possible without the extraordinary dedication of our police officers, staff, and volunteers. Every day and every night, they work tirelessly to protect our communities, often sacrificing time with their own families, including over Christmas, so that others can celebrate in safety. Their professionalism and courage are the backbone of Merseyside’s resilience, and I offer them my deepest gratitude.
While the decision to abolish the role of Police and Crime Commissioner in 2028 will bring change, it does not diminish our shared commitment to safety, justice, and community. While we await more information on what the future of police governance and oversight will look like, I am absolutely committed to serving the people of Merseyside.
Challenges remain, but so does our determination. Merseyside is a community that cares, filled with partners who act, and individuals who refuse to give in to fear, and together we are building a future where everyone feels safe and supported.
This Christmas, let us honour those we have lost, celebrate those who inspire us, and commit ourselves to a brighter, safer year ahead.
Wishing you a safe and restful festive season, and a positive start to the year ahead.