Commissioner Clive Grunshaw and Oliver Ryan MP met members of the local policing team in Burnley town centre, where they discussed the issues being faced by officers and key concerns raised by the public.

This included retail crime, such as shoplifting and abuse directed at shop workers, alongside anti-social behaviour around the town centre.

As part of the visit, they talked to local businesses about the impact this has, particularly on employees. The Commissioner outlined the Constabulary campaigns tackling these concerns, with Operation Vulture targeting shoplifting and Operation Centurion tackling anti-social behaviour in our town centres and beyond.

Commissioner Grunshaw and Oliver Ryan MP also discussed policing across the rest of his constituency and how partners are working together to make the area safer.

Clive Grunshaw, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire, said:

“It was really useful to talk with Oliver, the local policing team and members of the public about what we can do to make Burnley and the other areas in his constituency safer. The passion that our local teams have for protecting people and tackling crime always stands out on these visits, and getting into neighbourhoods and hearing first-hand about the work they are doing is a key part of my role.

“It was great to hear about the proactive work taking place in Burnley town centre and across the constituency to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour and actively address the issues and concerns that the public raise with myself and Oliver regularly.

“As Police and Crime Commissioner, I remain committed to working closely with the Chief Constable to ensure town centres like Burnley continue to receive the level of policing needed to drive down crime. This includes tackling anti-social behaviour through Operation Centurion and addressing shoplifting and retail crime through Operation Vulture.”

Oliver Ryan MP said:

“It was great to get out and about with our local neighbourhood policing team in Burnley town centre and see first-hand the work they’re doing to keep our town centre safe.

“They do a fantastic job supporting our community, and I’m pleased they have the backing of our Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive, to continue that important work.”