Merseyside Police is backing a global push to create a better, safer Internet

SAFER Internet Day is being celebrated in more than a hundred countries and here in the UK by Police forces, schools, youth charities, councils and media organisations. The aim is to promote safe, responsible and positive use of the internet and social media by children and young people. Around a 3rd of 11 to 16 year olds say they have experienced mean or unpleasant behaviour directed towards them online in the past year but around 75% also believe their own individual actions can help make the Internet a better place to socialise and learn. Merseyside Police works with organisations such as CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre) and Titan (the regional organised crime unit) to tackle online criminality such as grooming, the sharing of indecent images, hacking and fraud. But officers also want to help people stop becoming victims of these crimes in the first place by educating children, teenagers and adults about how to safe whenever they are online. Detective Superintendent Richie Carr said websites such as:- ThinkuKnow.Co.UK and InternetMatters.Org were great places to get some pointers. He said:- "Everyone uses the Internet these days and most of us use it for far more things than we realise. Many of us are logged on all day on our mobile phone or work computer and we do anything from checking our bank balance to arranging to go out with friends to sharing our holiday snaps. But how many of us always do these things securely so things like our bank details, personal photos and information about ourselves stay that way? Safer Internet Day is all about giving people the know-how and confidence to both stay safe online and behave more responsibly online too. The ThinkUKnow website has tips for children of all ages as well as parents, teachers and other adults who want to get clued up. There is also advice on there about how to report something if you become uncomfortable or suspicious of someone else's behaviour online. You can also take a quiz at:- SaferInternetDay.Org.UK to see what you would do if you had concerns about a friend's privacy settings, a fake profile, a suspicious friend request, or online bullying. If we all take just a minute or two out of our day to learn a little more about this issue we can all help make the Internet a safer and more pleasant place to socialise and share our experiences with others."  For links to other participating organisations visit:- Merseyside.Police.uk/advice-and-protection/safety-online/.

20 year old shot in Litherland

MERSEYSIDE Police Detectives from the Specialist Matrix Organised Crime Team are appealing for information following an injury shooting in Litherland on Monday, 9 February 2015. Officers were called at 8.15pm to reports that a man been shot outside a house on Chelsea Road. Officers and paramedics attended and found a 20 year old man with pellet injuries to his lower back/buttocks. His injuries are consistent with a shotgun discharge. The man was taken to hospital for treatment. A full investigation into the incident is underway, including house to house enquiries and forensic examinations. Patrols have been stepped up in the area to provide reassurance to the local community. Detectives are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident, or has any information, which could help them with their enquiries to contact them on:- 0800 230 0600 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on:- 0800 555 111.