During the visit, the Commissioner spoke with members of the community about issues they’ve experienced due to anti-social behaviour and heard how police presence and engagement is making them feel safer. The Commissioner also spoke to staff at Padiham Leisure Centre who have fallen victim to more ASB over the Summer months to discuss how they could be further supported.
The route included the site of a recent closure order, a civil power being increasingly utilised by Lancashire Police, together with partners to crack down on repeat offenders who are a continuous blight on their community.
The recently launched Op Centurion sees extra police patrols in ASB hotspots across the county, and tough action being taken against offenders by Police and partner agencies who will use the full force of the law – as well as civil powers – to protect local communities.
Padiham is one of six hotspot areas that has seen the policing response stepped up since the start of July, thanks to £2m of extra funding, with a number of extra officers out and about tackling crime, gathering intelligence and reassuring the public.
Following the visit Andrew Snowden said:
“Getting tough on anti-social behaviour is a top priority in my Fighting Crime Plan and I’m pleased to hear from officers that bolstered patrols are making a difference in Lancashire.
“The progress made in Padiham is exactly what Op Centurion is about, more officers on the beat, more public confidence and less anti-social behaviour.
“I will continue to work alongside the Chief Constable and partners, such as MPs, to deliver the best results for residents in Lancashire and keep our communities safe.”
Antony Higginbotham said:
“I know anti-social behaviour is a real problem. And that’s why I’ve been raising it with the police, our Police and Crime Commissioner and ultimately in Parliament.
Together we’ve secured £2 million from government to tackle the issue head on, with the first tranche being spent on providing an additional 2,500 hours of police time in Padiham. It was great to see the impact that is having in keeping our streets safe and I’ll continue to work with the police, the PCC, local Councillors and residents on this issue.”
