Police hunt for builders who left time capsule ‘at scene of the crime’ in 1971

Officers are searching for bricklayers who helped build a police station in Merseyside and left a time capsule at the scene of the “crime”.

Merseyside Police launched an appeal to find the brickies and hod-carriers who buried a message and copy of the Daily Mirror dated October 29, 1971, at St Anne Street Station in Liverpool.

A search was triggered when a time capsule was discovered buried in the fabric of the building during a recent refurbishment.

The note left hidden for more than 50 years reads: “This block was built by Cubitts. The poor b******s who participated in this crime are… Bricklayers W. White (Swooper) W. Robinson (Smiler) T. Lewis (Boss)”.

It goes on to list a number of people involved in the building work along with a newspaper headlined: “‘Yes’ to Europe!! Majority 112”.

The date of the capsule’s burial coincided with with British MPs voting by a majority of 112 to join what went on to become the European Union.

St Anne Street itself first opened in 1972 and has gone on to become Merseyside Police’s busiest operational station, according to the force.

Merseyside Police Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, said: “Finding this time capsule from the original builders was an unexpected surprise, giving a fascinating window into the history of Merseyside Police’s busiest operational station.

“Their ‘crime’ back in 1971 has certainly stood the test of time. St Anne Street has faithfully served Merseyside Police for more than 50 years.

“Policing has come a long way since then and it’s important we take the right steps to ensure Merseyside Police is fit to fight crime, now and in the future.”

“To do that, we are committed to providing state-of-the-art stations facilities for our officers and staff and it’s great to see how St. Anne Street station has been transformed over the past two years.”

Construction firm ISG was the main contractor for the station’s redevelopment. Its Director of Public Sector Strategy, Louise Daville, said: “The search for the Cubitts team behind the construction of the original block is heart-warming.

“Their work is part of the fabric of this building and it was a pleasure for ISG to be able to write the next chapter, as St Anne Street Police Station moves into a modern, brighter, and more energy-efficient home.”

The spruced up building now includes LED lighting, electric car charging points and solar panels.

Work to refurbish the station started in April 2021, with an extra storey added with open plan working areas for 450 officers and staff.

Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said: “I am delighted staff are able to return to work at St Anne Street station, which has been a busy and important operational station for the force since it first opened over 50 years ago.

“It has taken over two years for the extensive refurbishments to take place, but a lot has changed in policing since the 1970s and it is vital that our police stations are modern, accessible, cost effective and fit for purpose.”

Merseyside Police said no crimes are believed to have been committed in the construction of the station.