The safety and well-being of our customers is our top priority. During Anti-social Behaviour Awareness Week 2025, we’re highlighting some of the vital work we’re doing, in partnership with Merseyside Police, to create safer, thriving communities for everyone.

Empowering our staff – Exploitation workshop with Merseyside Police

Earlier this week, our colleagues had the invaluable opportunity to attend an exploitation workshop led by Merseyside Police’s Human Trafficking team at our Hub. This crucial session provided deep insights into complex issues, including Operation Sanctuary, and equipped our staff with the knowledge to identify key factors in potential victims of exploitation. Discussions on real-world experiences made the training incredibly impactful.

This workshop was a powerful step in empowering our staff to better safeguard our customers when needed. We’re committed to rolling out more of these sessions in the future, ensuring even more departments can benefit from Merseyside Police’s expertise on exploitation, including human trafficking, and gain vital information on recognising victims of exploitation and domestic abuse. It’s a crucial opportunity for all of us to deepen our understanding and learn how we can contribute to a safer environment.

Dennis House Day of Action

Our commitment to community safety extends directly into our neighbourhoods. Recently, our Neighbourhoods and Community Safety Teams and dedicated rescoure from Sovini Property Services teamed up with Merseyside Police for a day of action at Dennis House in Bootle, forming a key part of our Alleyway Strategic Action Plan.

We’ve seen an increase in anti-social behaviour (ASB) contacts in this area, so a door-knocking exercise was crucial. This allowed us to speak directly with our customers about their concerns, helping us gather vital information about the issues they have been facing. This collaborative approach enables us to collectively put a plan in place to improve the situation.

Fly-tipping was another significant issue addressed. Tenants received information on the correct waste disposal procedures, guidance on using bin sheds and provided bins correctly, and details about Sefton Council’s bulky item removal service. We also organised a litter pick around the grounds, and we’d like to extend a big thank you to the residents of Dennis House who kindly pitched in and helped make the day a success!

Our Neighbourhoods and Community Safety Teams and Sovini Property Services will continue to strengthen positive relationships within our Sefton communities, ensuring our partnership working has a truly worthwhile impact for our customers.

Everything you need to know about Cuckooing

Beyond these initiatives, we also want to raise awareness about cuckooing. This is a form of exploitation where criminals take over a vulnerable person’s home to use it for illegal activities, such as drug dealing, storing weapons, or prostitution. They often target individuals who are isolated, have drug or alcohol dependencies, or mental health issues.

What to look out for:

• Increased visitors to a property, often at unusual hours.
• Changes in the occupant’s behaviour or appearance.
• Signs of drug use or dealing.
• New people living at the address whom you don’t recognise.
• Increased litter or antisocial behaviour around the property.

What to do if you think one of our properties has been cuckooed?

If you suspect one of our properties has been cuckooed, please inform us by either calling on 0300 365 1111 or email us on enquiries@ovh.org.uk.

Report to Merseyside Police, via Contact us | Merseyside Police or anonymously through Crimestoppers. If you believe the customer is in immediate danger, call 999.

Together, by working in partnership and staying vigilant, we can continue to make our communities safer and more enjoyable places to live.