£300m 'once in a generation' cash investment revealed for Lancashire Police

The Police Crime Commissioner's revealed his 'once in a generation' £300m four year plan for clamping down on crime across the county.

The Police and Crime Plan 2021 - 2025 announces the largest investment into Lancashire Police in living memory, with a £300m, 10-year commitment to overhaul police critical infrastructure, including sustainable new fleet, police stations and training facilities, digital and cyber capabilities, alongside hundreds of extra police officers delivered through the Government's uplift programme.

The plan is required by law and outlines the needs and priorities of the people of Lancashire in relation to policing, crime and criminal justice.

The top priority is to get tough on anti-social behaviour, with £1.2m announced for a new problem orientated policing command and taskforce.

A dedicated rape and sexual assault unit will be created to target offenders and to ensure better outcomes for victims.

Other priorities include disrupting and dismantling organised crime, cracking down on burglary and robbery and targeting dangerous drivers.

To support these priorities a Safer Lancashire Neighbourhoods Scheme has also been announced to invest up to £5m into initiatives that tackle crime hotspots.

Lancashire will see increased asset seizures and high-profile operations to take the fight to criminals.

Launching the new plan, Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden, said: “I was elected on the pledge to lead the fight against crime in Lancashire and that’s exactly what this plan sets out to achieve; through a common sense, no nonsense approach to dealing with criminals across our county and supporting victims.

"My number one priority is the safety of each of our residents with a commitment to build a visible and effective frontline service that protects our communities by taking the fight to criminals.

"Since I took up office in May 2021, I have patrolled with frontline officers across the county to truly understand how I can make a difference. Residents have told me that anti-social behaviour is the biggest policing issue in their local area. This is closely followed by drug dealing, dangerous driving and burglary; therefore, these are my priorities.

"I am determined to ensure Lancashire Constabulary has the resources and infrastructure needed to keep people safe and to deliver this. My investment programme will mean extra boots on the ground in your neighbourhood, but also investment into crime fighting infrastructure and technology to ensure we are always one step ahead of criminals. This includes investing into teams and initiatives to build cases against offenders and ensure victims get justice.

Chief Constable Chris Rowley said: “This Police and Crime Plan sets a clear agenda for tackling and preventing crime and keeping the people of the Lancashire safe.

"I want to be clear that through supporting the delivery of this plan, anyone engaging in anti-social behaviour and committing crime in Lancashire, especially those involved in organised crime groups will have nowhere to hide.

"Lancashire Constabulary will proactively and relentlessly target and pursue all involved in criminality and seek every opportunity for the seizure of any assets gained through their criminal behaviour.