Security to be increased at Birkenhead Park following visitor centre break in and Swiss Bridge arson

New crime reduction measures are to be put in place, including extra patrols, improved CCTV and marking of property with unique security codes.

It comes after Professor Robert Lee, chair of the Friends of Birkenhead Park, called on Wirral Council to do more to protect the historic park after thieves smashed their way into the visitor centre just weeks after vandals caused £20,000 of damage to its iconic Swiss Bridge.

Professor Lee said the authority needs to be "held to account" for failing to ensure a "robust and effective policy" is in place to safeguard the park is implemented.

It seems the authority has listened to his concerns, with Cllr Chris Meaden - cabinet member for leisure, sport and culture - today announcing improved security measures.

She said: "We were all disgusted to see the damage done by criminals to amenities at our much-loved Birkenhead Park.

"We are committed to ensuring this community resource is protected and are working closely with the police to implement extra security and various measures to reduce crime. With the full support of the police, community leaders and local residents groups we will be able to reduce crime and tackle anti-social behaviour.”

The damage caused to the visitor centre.

The visitor centre at the park was originally designed to reduce the likelihood of being subject to burglary, with expert advice from Police Crime Reduction Officers, with last Thursday's break-in the first time it has been targeted since it was built.

Police were called to the park shortly before 9pm after community patrols found the doors to the visitor centre smashed.

Birkenhead Park's Swiss Bridge, which was targeted by vandals last month.

Security footage shows three men using a sledgehammer and crowbar to force their way in to the centre.

They left empty-handed after being unable to break down the office doors inside.

It comes less than a month after the park's iconic Swiss Bridge went up in flames at the hand of vandals.

More than £20,000 of damage was caused to the Grade II listed structure, which requires significant structural reconstruction before it can be used again.

Professor Lee said: "We are appalled at the malicious damage to the visitor centre following only a few weeks after the serious arson attack on the Swiss Bridge.

"We have made clear for some time our concern over inadequate security arrangements in the park."

Professor Lee said that during the first five months of the year, there was a 69% increase in the number of reported antisocial behaviour incidents. 

He added: "Serious damage has been done to the Grand Entrance on a number of occasions - both to the doors of the North Lodge and to the window frames and panes of the South Lodge.

"Yet at the same time the number of security staff has been reduced, the sole remaining security officer has been given an additional role as the events co-ordinator, the CCTV equipment has not been adequately maintained, and the community patrol has been prohibited from patrolling the park at night.

"Birkenhead Park was the first publicly funded park in the world and it was designed explicitly for the use of the people of Birkenhead. At a time when we are seeking to attract additional investment in the park and to progress a bid for World Heritage Site status the damage inflicted by a small group of criminals must be universally condemned.

"But Wirral Council and local politicians must also be held to account for failing to make sure that a robust and effective policy to safeguard Birkenhead Park has not been implemented, despite existing commitments to the Heritage Lottery Fund and clear evidence of a rise in crime and anti-social behaviour."

Property inside the visitor centre will now be marked with a unique code and a spray which marks anyone inside the building when the intruder alarm is activated will be installed.

CCTV will be stepped up, with extra cameras, and increased resolution.

New external sensors will be linked to audible warnings and spotlights to illuminate intruders.

Community Patrol Officers have also been tasked to focus extra attention to the park and its boundary.

Merseyside Police are advising on what extra measures can be made to deter further criminal activity against the park and they are increasing their patrols, targeting the times of day and locations highlighted by shared intelligence as having a higher chance or crimes taking place.

Cllr Meaden said: “I am at a loss to describe my feelings at this latest senseless, criminal act at Birkenhead Park. I condemn the people responsible in the strongest possible terms and we will be doing everything we can to assist the police in catching them and bringing them to justice."

On Monday night, Birkenhead St Mary's Cricket Club - situated within the park - was also targeted by thieves who used a sledgehammer to break in and steal alcohol.

A member of the public reported seeing three men dressed in black smashing their way through shutters at the front of the clubhouse.

Last October saw the clubhouse burgled and set on fire by thieves, causing £50,000 of damage.

Police officers were called to the cricket club at around 9.30pm.

Upon arrival, officers found the offenders had kicked and hit the shutters with a metal object, before making off across the park with alcohol, stolen from the premises.

A dogs unit and the force helicopter were dispatched to try and track the offenders, but found no trace.

Enquiries are on-going and crime scene investigators have examined the scene, forensic enquiries are on-going and CCTV is being examined.

• Anyone with any information on the crimes against Birkenhead Park should immediately contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.