Crackdown on crime as Safer Streets Winter of Action launches
Police to boost patrols and target key offences during winter campaign
Lancashire Police have launched a crime crackdown, aimed at making the festive season and beyond safer for communities, individuals, and businesses.
Running from 1st December until the end of January, the campaign will involve heightened high-visibility patrols in busy areas such as town centres, enhanced collaboration with partner organisations, and proactive measures against crimes including retail theft, abuse of shop workers, organised criminal activity, street crime, and antisocial behaviour.
The initiative will also focus on safety within Lancashire’s nighttime economy, ensuring residents and visitors feel secure during the darker winter months.
The Winter of Action builds on the success of Lancashire’s Safer Streets Summer Initiative, which saw over 500 arrests, 711 partner patrols carried out, and the use of 563 antisocial behaviour powers.
Assistant Chief Constable Stasia Osiowy said: “This winter, we’re taking action to make our streets safer for everyone.
“Through more visible neighbourhood policing and stronger partnerships on the ground, our aim is to stop offenders in their tracks and prevent individuals and businesses becoming victims of crime this Christmas.
“We will be engaging with local communities to share information which will help them protect themselves and their property, and working with partner agencies to resolve issues and ensure we use all the powers collectively available to us to reduce crime.”
Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner, also expressed support for the initiative, added: “Building on the success of the Safer Streets Summer Initiative, the Winter of Action is our chance to keep that momentum going and tackle the unique challenges of the festive season.
“From bustling shopping streets to vibrant nightlife, we want people to feel safe, welcome, and proud of their areas.
"This means more visible policing, responding to the public’s concerns in key areas such as antisocial behaviour, retail and street crime, and with darker nights during this time of year, ensuring people feel safer out and about, wherever they are in Lancashire.
"I'm confident we will see a visible difference and encouraging results through this intensified action, and everyone has a role to play. I encourage everyone to report concerns via Crimestoppers, the police, or our dedicated antisocial behaviour website as we work together to deliver safer streets across Lancashire.”
Residents can learn more about their Neighbourhood Officers and the local steps being taken to address crime issues by visiting Lancashire.police.uk.
Reports of antisocial behaviour can be made here.
The Safer Streets Winter of Action campaign is being led by Police and Crime Commissioners, Deputy Mayors, and supported by the Home Office, in partnership with Chief Constables, councils, schools, health services, businesses, transport, and community organisations.