Thursday, December 4, 2025
East Division officers recognised at Lancashire Constabulary’s Problem-Solving Awards
Lancashire Police’s East Division, which covers the areas of Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn, Pendle, Burnley, Ribble Valley and Rossendale, have recently celebrated success at the 7th annual Problem-Solving Awards which celebrates the best examples of innovative policing in Lancashire.
23 applications were made from police officers and staff across the Force and, out of six categories, officers from East Division led the way for three of them: Emerging Problem-Solvers, Partnership Working and Targeting Offenders and Reducing Crime.
During the awards, which took place at the Park Hall Hotel and Spa on Wednesday 26th November, the teams presented to over 190 peers, stakeholders and a panel of judges including Assistant Chief Constable Stasia Osiowy, Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw, Resolve CEO Rebecca Bryant MBE, Applied Criminology Associate’s Managing Associate Sylvia Chenery and Lancashire Partnership Against Crime (LanPAC) Chairman David Smith OBE.
The Emerging Problem-Solvers category was won by PCSO Alan Fielding for his work around tackling anti-social behaviour in Nelson. The initiative, called Hook, Line and Sinking ASB, provides community engagement and rural crime prevention through fishing, diverting young people from offending by offering them a positive pastime.
The programme has provided a meaningful way for the police to connect with Eastern European groups, as well as providing an opportunity for officers to build trust, encourage conversation and offer reassurance to those in the community.
The Partnership Working category was won by Neighbourhood Inspector Matt Plummer and Detective Sergeant Stu Peall for the multi-agency initiative to tackle ketamine supply and harm in Burnley and Padiham, called Operation Shore.
Sparked by rising community concerns and the exploitation and health risks associated with the drug, the operation used intelligence-led visits, safeguarding referrals and a coordinated week of action to target those suspected of supplying ketamine in the area. The week also included arrests, school talks, and targeting of illegal bikes used in drug supply.
Working closely alongside partner agencies and local authorities, educational packages were developed for the police and schools, which have since been adopted nationally.
The operation disrupted the supply chain, gained national media attention and received feedback from users struggling to access ketamine locally, demonstrating its impact on both enforcement and prevention.
The Targeting Offenders and Reducing Crime category was won by Police Sergeant Charlotte Mikolajewski and PCSO Josh Coates for their work around Drug Free Roe Lee which tackles persistent crime, drug activity and anti-social behaviour in the area.
Faced with organised criminal groups and rising vehicle-related offences, the Neighbourhood Policing Team introduced a multi-agency approach focused on engagement, enforcement and partnership working. Their efforts have rebuilt trust, generated vital intelligence and led to multiple drug warrants, significant seizures and improved community confidence.
The overall winner of the Problem-Solving Awards was Inspector Steve Scott and his team for their project to tackle the illegal use of e-bikes, off-road bikes and motorcycle-enabled crime across Lancashire.
In 2024, the county experienced a sharp rise in serious anti-social behaviour linked to their use, including six fatal collisions and a growing number of serious injuries.
Community feedback through Lancashire Talking and calls for service highlighted e-bikes as a major concern. The project focused on education, diversion and enforcement operations.
As a result, over 1,000 machines have been seized, public concerns have significantly reduced and there have been no fatal collisions involving e-machines in Lancashire this year.
Operation Shore received the runners-up award for their multi-agency initiative targeting ketamine supply and harm in Burnley and Padiham.
Chief Superintendent Steve Rides, East Divisional Commander, said: “I am incredibly proud of the hard work, dedication and talent shown by our officers and PCSOs at this year’s awards. It is fantastic to see East Division recognised for the outstanding efforts that are truly making a difference in our communities.
“These achievements highlight not only the commitment of our teams but also the innovative and collaborative approach we take with our partners to tackle crime and build safer neighbourhoods. Well done to everyone!”
Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw added: “The Problem-Solving Awards showcase the innovative and proactive approaches developed by officers, staff, and partners to keep Lancashire safe.
"Rebuilding public trust and confidence is a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan, and it’s vital that we recognise and highlight the work being done to protect the public and deliver new solutions, often behind the scenes.
"Congratulations to all the winners as we shine a light on some of the outstanding projects our officers and staff are driving around the clock to tackle crime and keep Lancashire safe.”
The Chenery Award, which is dedicated to Sylvia Chenery, a Criminologist and Problem-Solving expert who has supported and continues to support Lancashire Constabulary, recognises an officer or member of staff who has made an outstanding contribution to problem-solving. This year it was presented to Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Mo Emam, of East BCU, for his dedication to problem solving throughout his career.
