Thursday, October 9, 2025
Led by Chief Constable Sacha Hatchett and Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw, the 12-week Home Office initiative ran from July to September 2025, working in partnership with local agencies as part of a national crackdown on antisocial behaviour, vehicle crime, and drug-related offences.
A total of 504 illegally modified pedal cycles, e-scooters, e-motorbikes, and off-road motorbikes used unlawfully on Lancashire’s roads have been seized and are set to be crushed.
In addition to 524 arrests, 123 youth referrals have been issued, and 563 anti-social behaviour powers have been exercised to safeguard the public.
Alongside enforcement activity, over 711 joint patrols with partner agencies have taken place, 909 community engagement events have been attended, and 7,656 stakeholder visits have been carried out, including visits to local shops.
Crime prevention has also been a major focus. Commissioner Grunshaw invested over £130,000 into community projects aimed at reducing crime and antisocial behaviour during the summer holidays, supported by an additional £55,000 from Lancashire Constabulary’s Prevention and Problem-Solving Innovation Fund. All funded from the proceeds of crime.
Projects have included an initiative to prevent anti-social behaviour at Accrington bus station, enhance night-time safety for revellers in Blackpool, and tackle ketamine use in Burnley, alongside diversionary sport activities and more.
Chief Inspector Chris Abbott, of Lancashire Police’s ASB Prevention and Problem-Solving Command Section, said:
“We’re proud to have been a part of Safer Streets Summer over the last few months.
“Although much of our activity is what might be considered standard police work, the fact that the Home Office has placed such importance on effective neighbourhood policing shows how essential we are for protecting our communities and making people feel safe on the streets.
"We've used the Proceeds of Crime Act and other powers to take cash away from criminals and put it to good use in local communities, supporting a wide range of different projects that address the issues which matter the most to our communities, like anti-social behaviour, vehicle crime and drugs. It’s quite satisfying to know that money taken from criminals is now being put to good use to make local communities safer.
“I know that Lancashire’s residents will be happy to see action taken against criminals, including those riding dangerous and illegal e-bikes and e-scooters. By taking these vehicles off the road, we’re not only making it safer for other road users, but also disrupting crimes often committed by these individuals, including dealing illegal drugs.
“Likewise, some people might view shoplifting as a minor crime, but we know it is a serious problem that leaves shoppers and shopworkers feeling unsafe. I want shoplifters to know that they will be dealt with using all the powers available to us as police officers.
“Safer Streets Summer might have come to an end, but we will not stop in our fight against ASB. Through Op Centurion, this remains daily business for our local policing teams, and we will continue to keep communities and town centres safe.”
Commissioner Grunshaw added:
"It's encouraging to see the results through the Safer Streets Summer campaign, which focused not just on preventing crime and bringing offenders to justice, but also building relationships, police addressing local concerns and being where it matters most.
"Local communities want visible, responsive policing, and that’s exactly what we’re delivering across Lancashire. The Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee provides named officers in local areas, and these results show the power of proactive, locally focused policing, and why I’m committed to putting more bobbies on the beat, with additional officers joining the force this year and next.
"Through operations like Op Centurion and Op Vulture, we’re tackling issues from shoplifting and street crime to antisocial behaviour. Alongside enforcement, prevention is absolutely key to building stronger, more resilient communities that feel safer and is why we continue to invest money taken from criminals back into the neighbourhoods they exploited.
“Joint working between police, businesses, and local organisations is vital, and I’ll continue working closely with Lancashire Constabulary and our partners to keep Lancashire safe.”
To report anti-social behaviour issues or find out more, visit the dedicated ASB page: www.lancashire-pcc.gov.uk/lancashire-tackling-asb