Commissioner backs new 'significant' Crime and Policing Bill and highlights opportunity on e-bike laws

The Bill, introduced in the House of Commons on February 25th, includes significant changes aimed at ensuring the police can effectively deal with offenders and protect victims.

The first reading of the Bill featured measures to combat anti-social behaviour, Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), retail crime, and serious violence, including knife crime.

Clive Grunshaw, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire said:

“The Crime and Policing Bill is a substantial piece of legislation that will bring about real, meaningful changes in how we tackle crime, protect vulnerable individuals, and make our communities safer.

“This Bill addresses various areas, including retail crime and the harassment and abuse of shop workers. It also grants additional powers to strengthen our response to knife crime and other serious offenses, and introduces new laws to ensure the safety of vulnerable people online, in their communities, and in their homes.

“Among the measures to combat anti-social behaviour are increased deterrents through larger fines and Respect Orders for those who disrupt communities.

“I am also pleased to see steps taken to tackle the illegal use of e-bikes, e-scooters, and similar vehicles – an issue that the public continue to raise regularly with me and one I have advocated for since my election.

“This will be welcome news to Lancashire communities, and I am keen to explore ways we can use this opportunity to further strengthen and simplify the legislation in this area, addressing gaps in what is an evolving area and delivering the tools officers need to tackle what can become dangerous weapons in the wrong hands, as we have tragically seen in Lancashire. I will continue to work with the Government, local MPs, and other stakeholders to explore additional measures to address public concerns in this area, both during the course of the bill’s journey through Parliament and following Royal Assent.

“This Bill represents significant progress in several key areas and support the delivery of my Police and Crime Plan. I look forward to working with the Government to fulfil the promise of safer streets.

“As Commissioner, I will continue to stand up for Lancashire at the national level and ensure we deliver the most effective and efficient policing service for the county through strong leadership and rigorous scrutiny.”