Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Lancashire Police have reduced crime by five percent across 15 areas of intensive action, as part of the Winter of Action.
The Winter of Action campaign is a Home Office-led initiative which ran from 1st December 2025 – 31st January 2026. During this time period, forces across the UK focused activity on keeping people safe during the festive period, tacking criminality such as shoplifting, anti-social behaviour, whilst also offering a reassuring presence to those enjoying the festivities in the night-time economy.
Across the 15 areas in Lancashire where intensive action was being carried out, which included Blackpool Town Centre, Preston City Centre and Blackburn Town Centre, overall crime was reduced by 5 percent when compared to the same time period last year (Dec 2024-Jan2025).
This was a decrease of 173 crimes across all three divisions within Lancashire and saw community concerns reduce. These include:
13% reduction in shoplifting.
26% reduction in burglary offences.
8% reduction in criminal damage.
20% reduction of robbery of personal property and
17% reduction in theft from a vehicle.
This activity was underpinned by strong collaboration with partners across Lancashire, which saw Lancashire Police working closely with councils, charitable organisations and local authority services, all of whom have worked collectively to support the campaign’s aim of reducing crime and strengthening public confidence.
Inspector Oli Tattersley said: “We hope these outcomes speak for themselves and showcase to our communities the hard work officers have dedicated to reducing criminality over the Winter of Action.
“The last two months have seen some fantastic problem solving from officers and partners, who have come together seamlessly to help keep Lancashire’s communities' safe places.
“Aside from robust police action, officers and partners have been out engaging with local communities; creating connections, listening to concerns and providing a high visibility presence.
“Although the Winter of Action has concluded, our hard work will not. Thanks to our pre-existing campaigns such as Operation Vulture, Operation Centurion and NightSafe, we will continue this brilliant work well into 2026, ensuring Lancashire is an unwelcome environment for anyone wishing to commit crimes.”
Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, said: “Building on the success of the Safer Streets Summer Initiative, the Winter of Action was our chance to keep that momentum going and tackle the unique challenges of the festive season.
"I am extremely pleased to see an overall reduction crime over the period, proving the positive impact that community-led policing has and re-enforces why it is at the heart of my Police and Crime Plan, with partners working together and focusing on the issues that matter most to people and delivering real results.
“From bustling shopping streets to vibrant nightlife, we want people to feel safe, welcome, and proud of their areas.
"As Police and Crime Commissioner, I look forward to seeing these results continue and I will continue to hold Lancashire Constabulary to account to ensure Lancashire residents get the policing service they deserve."