Friday, October 23, 2026
Police officers are working with partner agencies to tackle anti-social behaviour in areas of Rossendale.
Reports from members of the public included antisocial behaviour in Bacup, while a number of youths were also congregating in areas including the bus station in Rawtenstall, where they were setting off fireworks and causing damage, which had a negative impact on members of the public and local businesses.
A dispersal order was put in place last weekend in the area, which was authorised under S34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. Its purpose is to remove or reduce the likelihood of anti-social behaviour, crime and disorder in the area, and gives officers additional powers to order a person to leave a specified area with no return for a period of up to 48 hours. Those who refuse to comply with the order are committing a criminal offence and are liable for arrest.
Chief Inspector Phil Brown from the Neighbourhood Policing Team in Rossendale said: “Dispersal orders are just one of the tactics we can use to tackle issues including anti-social behaviour, but we want to reassure the community of Rossendale that we are working hard to disrupt this kind of criminality, alongside our partners. We are carrying out high-visibility patrols around Rawtenstall bus station and beyond, and I encourage members of the public to stop and speak to our officers if you see them.”
Operation Lumos has now been launched in Rossendale, which will see high-visibility patrols carried out by police officers, PCSOs, and the mounted branch. Lancashire Police is also working closely with partners across Rossendale to tackle any antisocial behaviour.
CI Brown continued: “Those who are carrying out this kind of criminality, be warned that we will deal with you robustly. We also ask the parents and guardians of Rossendale to speak to your children and make sure they are aware of the consequences their actions could have. Innocent people could be injured, buildings could be damaged, and they could face criminal charges which could have an impact their future. We know the vast majority of young people are law abiding and respectful, but we need the support of our community to work with us and our partner agencies in addressing any anti-social behaviour before it can escalate.”
Rob Huntington, Chief Executive of Rossendale Borough Council, said: “Our town centres and community spaces are places people should be able to enjoy and feel proud of, whether that’s the temporary market in Rawtenstall, the youth hub in Bacup or anywhere else in the valley. It’s frustrating to see places that mean so much to our communities damaged by anti-social behaviour.
“We’re working with Lancashire Police and partners to address the recent incidents, and have funded additional security guards for the temporary market in Rawtenstall on Friday and Saturday nights. We’ll continue working with our partners to help tackle these issues, but we also need the support of our communities. Talking to children and young people about respecting others and the places we share can make a difference, and I’d encourage anyone who witnesses anti-social behaviour to report it so the police so they can investigate incidents and take action where appropriate.”
Op Lumos forms part of the force’s wider Op Centurion, which is a county-wide crackdown on anti-social behaviour, led by Lancashire Constabulary and backed by Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw, getting tough on anti-social behaviour, with the support of partners.
To report anti-social behaviour to the relevant authority, please visit https://www.lancashire-pcc.gov.uk/lancashire-tackling-asb/