Thursday, January 8, 2026
Local businesses in St Annes are set to benefit from a major boost in safety and communication with the launch of the Town Link ShopSafe Radio System.
Launched on Wednesday, January 7th 2026, the system is designed to create a connected network of retailers, town centre staff and Fylde Police, enabling real-time information sharing between businesses and the local policing team. This collaborative approach will help deter crime, reduce anti-social behaviour, and ensure swift responses to incidents.
By strengthening community resilience and supporting the local economy, the ShopSafe system enhances public confidence in St Annes as a safe and welcoming destination for residents and visitors alike.
Sergeant Adam Robinson from Fylde Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “The ShopSafe Radio System is a fantastic example of how partnership working can make a real difference.
“By improving communication between businesses and our officers, we can respond quickly to incidents, prevent crime, and create a safer environment for everyone.
“This initiative is about building confidence and ensuring St Annes remains a vibrant and welcoming town centre."
Thanks to funding from Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, and the Lancashire Partnership Against Crime (LANPAC), businesses signed up will receive the system for free for 12 months.
After this, businesses can subscribe to remain on the ShopSafe system.
So far, 10 businesses have signed up across St Annes.
Al Yusuf, LANPAC Manager, said: “LANPAC is proud to support the launch of the ShopSafe Radio System in St Annes. This initiative reflects our commitment to partnership working and crime prevention across Lancashire. By improving communication between businesses and the police, we can help create safer town centres, reduce crime, and build stronger, more resilient communities. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this system will have for local businesses and residents.”
Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, added: “This investment underlines my commitment to tackling retail crime and anti-social behaviour across Lancashire. Through my Office, we are also developing the Safer Lancashire Business Partnership, which will launch in the coming months to further strengthen support for local businesses.
"Combined with the sustained results of Operation Vulture, we are sending a clear message that those who commit crime will be caught and prosecuted. By working together with businesses and partners, we can make our town centres safer, more secure, and welcoming for everyone.”
The initiative has also been supported by Fylde Council. Councillor Chris Dixon, Lead Member for Social Wellbeing, said: "This ShopSafe system demonstrates our commitment to supporting local businesses and creating a safer environment for everyone who visits, works or lives in St Annes.
"We're delighted to have secured this funding, which gives businesses the opportunity to trial the system at no cost while we work together to ensure its long-term sustainability. This is about building a stronger, more resilient community and ensuring St Annes continues to thrive as a destination of choice."
This exciting new project has been launched as a part of the national Winter of Action initiative, which sees Police and partners working together to tackle retail crime, street crime and antisocial behaviour; as well as crime in the nighttime economy.