Liverpool and Everton unite with Merseyside clubs to help fight crime

New campaign aims to use the power of football to reach out to supporters and communities most affected by crime and the harm caused by crime.
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Liverpool and Everton are among four Merseyside football clubs putting aside old rivalries to deliver a powerful message that everyone can play a part in reducing crime by reporting it to Crimestoppers.

Tranmere Rovers and Marine are also backing the scheme led by the independent charity, which provides the public with a means of providing information about crime anonymously.

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Via the clubs joining together, this campaign aims to uses the power of football to reach supporters and communities most affected by crime and the harm caused by crime.

The aim is to change communities and help stop exploitation, abuse and violence.

Violent crime in the city

The campaign launches after Ava White, 12, was stabbed to death in the city last week following the switch-on of the city’s Christmas lights.

A 14-year-old boy has been charged with murder and possession of a bladed article and is due to appear in Liverpool Crown Court.

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Merseyside's Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: "This is a really poignant day, especially in the wake of what happened to Ava White.

“I think we know there is an ongoing conversation to work with our young people, work with our schools and try do that early intervention.

"We just really want young people to be safe in this city. So we can use the work done by football clubs, use that intervention that they do to try and get through to young people about the importance of being safe."

Club legends represent Liverpool and Everton

Former Liverpool striker David Fairclough said: "First and foremost, we know what football means to the Merseyside public. We all take pride in the city, and we all want it to be a better, safer place.

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“I think it's a good tool to come together and get the four clubs together and use their profile that way."

The Crimestoppers message will be delivered throughout the community outreach work done by each of the clubs.

Through their work, countless lives are changed, young people are supported, and thousands of people across Merseyside benefit each year.

Former Everton forward Graeme Sharp said: "Football's so much part of the Merseyside community, so I think it's important that the clubs get behind any campaign that will help stop the crime and the violence we've seen in the city."

How to contact Crimestoppers

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Crimestoppers is an independent charity that gives people the power to speak up and stop crime – 100% anonymously.

You can contact them by phone on 0800 555 111 and online, 24/7, 365 days a year.

The charity also share advice on how to protect the people you care about from crime so everyone can feel safe.