Monday, July 27, 2026
Businesses and shoppers across Lancashire have seen increased police visibility as Lancashire Police and partner organisations joined forces for a series of high-profile action days aimed at preventing business crime and supporting retailers.
Officers from Neighbourhood Policing Teams hosted engagement events in supermarkets across Preston, Chorley, Leyland, Accrington and Morecambe. The events provided crime prevention advice, offered opportunities for businesses and members of the public to speak directly with officers, and raised awareness of Operation Vulture, Lancashire Police’s force-wide response to retail crime.
The action days also promoted a newly developed leaflet highlighting Lancashire support services available to people who may be experiencing issues that can lead to shoplifting and related anti-social behaviour. The initiative aims to help identify individuals in need and refer them with appropriate support before problems escalate.
The activity follows the recent launch of the Safer Lancashire Business Partnership, which brings together businesses and key partners from across the county to strengthen collaboration, share best practice and identify new ways to tackle crime affecting the retail sector. Through this partnership approach, Lancashire Police and its partners are working to create safer shopping environments for businesses, staff and customers.
T/Chief Superintendent Scott Boast, Co-Vice-Chair of the Safer Lancashire Business Partnership, said:
"Retail crime can have a significant impact on businesses, employees and local communities, which is why tackling it remains a priority for Lancashire Police and our partners.
"These action days provided an excellent opportunity to engage directly with retailers and the public, raise awareness of Operation Vulture and highlight the proactive work taking place across Lancashire to prevent crime and support businesses.
"Our Anti-Social Behaviour Prevention and Problem-Solving Team works closely with businesses throughout the year to identify vulnerabilities, strengthen security measures and address concerns around issues such as shop theft, anti-social behaviour and violence against retail workers.
"By working together, sharing information and building strong partnerships, we can develop long-term solutions that help make Lancashire's town centres and retail environments safer for everyone."
Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw, Chair of the Safer Lancashire Business Partnership, said:
"I fully support the proactive approach taken by Lancashire Constabulary to tackle retail crime across the county through Op Vulture.
"Engagement events like this strengthen relationships between businesses, the police and the public, which is key to tackling issues like shoplifting or the harassment of shopworkers.
"By working together, we can make a real difference for those working in retail while ensuring that our town centres remain safe places to visit and enjoy. I will continue to back the Constabulary's efforts and bring partners together through my Safer Lancashire Business Partnership."
Anyone wishing to report a crime can do so online at https://doitonline.lancashire.police.uk/ or by calling 101. If a crime is in progress, always dial 999.
For more information on how Lancashire Police works with businesses to prevent and tackle crime, visit: https://www.lancashire.police.uk/help-advice/keeping-your-business-safe/how-we-deal-with-business-crime/