Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Lancashire Police has joined partners to carry out a proactive day of action in Darwen, improving an area that has previously been targeted by antisocial behaviour.
Officers from the Darwen Neighbourhood Policing Team were joined by colleagues from Blackburn with Darwen Council, the DVLA, Police Cadets, and volunteers on Olive Lane, for a community beat sweep and day of action.
A special ANPR car from the DVLA successfully caught 63 vehicles that were untaxed in the local area, the drivers of which will be contacted and prosecuted. Several bags of nitrous oxide cans were also found in the area, with proactive police patrols now being carried out, and necessary action will be taken if anyone is found with these items on their person.
Members of the Police Cadets and council also carried out an extensive litter pick, and funding opportunities for the playground and surrounding area are now being discussed by partners, to allow it to be enjoyed again by local residents.
PC Molly Charnley, Community Beat Manager for Darwen, said: "We want our town centres and neighbourhoods to be places that people feel proud of and safe to enjoy. This day of action brought together a range of partners to tackle issues that matter to residents, from antisocial behaviour and environmental concerns to untaxed vehicles and nitrous oxide misuse.
"By taking proactive action and investing in our communities, we're making it clear that crime and antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated in Darwen, while also helping to create cleaner, safer and more inviting spaces for local people and families."
Op Centurion is a county-wide crackdown on anti-social behaviour, led by Lancashire Constabulary and backed by Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw, delivering his priority of getting tough on anti-social behaviour, with the support of our partners.