During the regular meeting, the Commissioner questioned Chief Constable Chris Rowley and his Chief Officer Team about how Lancashire Constabulary is taking the fight to criminals, delivering efficient and effective policing, being responsive to community concerns and where issues and challenges are being improved upon.
The Commissioner was updated on the impact of Op Centurion on anti-social behaviour since its launch at the beginning of July. As part of the ASB crackdown, extra police patrols in hotspot areas have seen early successes with further announcements to come in the Autumn.
Latest statistics showed overall drop in crime of 6% compared to the previous year.
Successes in dismantling criminal gangs through Op Warrior were also highlighted including recent operations and sentencings that saw cannabis factories valued at more than £2m dismantled, cash seizures including a recent one of around £250k and drugs lines targeted.
There were also discussions about improvements to the estate and infrastructure with updates on current projects and a look forward to the future, alongside ongoing work with the courts in relation to the wider criminal justice landscape.
Speaking after the meeting, Andrew Snowden, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire said:
“The early successes of Op Centurion, delivering on my key priority to get tough on anti-social behaviour, are fantastic news for the people of Lancashire and I’m encouraged to see a fall in crime overall including a drop in ASB. I am continuing to work closely with the Chief Constable and his team to ensure the best use of resources including the £2m I secured from Government to protect the public and make communities feel safe.
“We also discussed the critical infrastructure investments being made to ensure the force can stay one step ahead of criminals and be fit for purpose to the needs of 21st century policing.
“These meetings build on my regular conversations with the Chief Constable, allowing an in depth look at the key issues we are facing as we take the fight to criminals. It is an opportunity to get under the skin of policing in Lancashire, look at where things are working well and how we can address challenges that the force faces.
“By analysing how the force is delivering my Fighting Crime Plan, I am ensuring that that the public’s voice is heard in everything that the Constabulary does to deliver results that reduce victims, put criminals behind bars and make Lancashire safer.”
