Commissioner Grunshaw secures £1.7m hotspot funding boost after lobbying Government

The investment secured for 2025/26 will enable additional foot patrols to tackle anti-social behaviour across Lancashire, building on the success of Operation Centurion, which has already resulted in over 732 arrests in hotspot areas alone between July 2023 and January 2025.

The funding will also support further investment in the Lancashire Violence Reduction Network (LVRN) for hotspot policing that builds on the work previously delivered through Operation Grip. This programme involves regular, intensive, high-visibility police foot patrols in specific areas where data analysis indicates a risk of serious violence

Areas across Lancashire will continue to benefit from this funding, targeting locations identified as needing additional resources to address anti-social behaviour based on operational needs.

This announcement follows Commissioner Grunshaw’s letter to the Home Secretary at the end of last year, urging the government to maintain funding for hotspot policing to combat anti-social behaviour.

Clive Grunshaw, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire said:

“I’m really pleased that the Government has agreed to continue funding dedicated hotspot policing to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour. This will boost our response to the issues that matter most to people and help prevent crime.

“As we rebuild neighbourhood policing, with bobbies on the beat in their communities, tackling anti-social behaviour will remain an absolute priority. I will provide the Chief Constable with the backing to protect every corner of the county, in hotspots and beyond.

“I will continue to stand up for Lancashire and secure the best possible deal for policing in our county, striving for additional investment like this that protects the public and tackles crime. I’ll also work with national, regional, and local stakeholders to ensure I deliver on the commitments in my Police and Crime Plan and represent the public here and in Westminster.”

T/Chief Inspector Gemma Barr, Operational Lead for the VRN added: “We welcome this funding, which will allow us to continue the important work of Operation Grip, enabling additional policing hours to carry out targeted activity in key locations.

“Through our research, local residents have told us they want to see more officers on the streets, and we hope this increased presence will help reassure communities that we are committed to preventing serious violence.

“The work we do with the constabulary aligns closely with the wider prevention efforts across our partnership, all aimed at making Lancashire a safer place for everyone.”