At the meeting with representatives from the BID, local policing team, the local council and Antony Higginbotham MP, discussions focused on town centre policing and how Op Centurion has increased focus on tackling ASB in Burnley.
They talked about recent operations in Burnley town centre, including a pre-Christmas crackdown on ASB, illegal e-scooters and other concerns raised by the public.
Conversations also touched on working together on projects being supported to deter crime, such as CCTV, Stopwatch and other intervention programmes that address the root causes of anti social behaviour and other offences.
Andrew Snowden, Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner said:
”This was a great opportunity for partners to discuss what we all want to see, taking the fight to criminals in Burnley town centre and ensuring the overwhelming majority of law abiding people feel safe going about their everyday lives.
”There has been some fantastic, proactive police work to address local concerns and act on intelligence, through Op Centurion and the intense focus on getting tough on anti social behaviour that blights whole areas and communities. This enforcement is also supported by the range of work to deter crime and interventions with those at risk of committing ASB and other offences.
”This work builds on the tens of thousands of pounds of investment and interventions, but we know there is more work to do. I’m looking forward to continuing these conversations, and developing what is already happening to make Burnley town centre safer, looking at what more we can all do to crack down on crime, and ensure people feel safe.”
Laurence O’Connor, Burnley BID Chair, said:
“It was great to meet Andrew and his team. We were really excited to learn about the proactive steps being taken to support our Business Crime Reduction Partnership for the town centre.
“We look forward to working with Andrew and the rest of the police force in the coming months to create a safer environment in the town centre for all visitors.”
Antony Higginbotham MP said:
“Andrew has always been a great ally in taking the fight to criminals and getting the police focused on the issues residents raise with me on the doorstep, right here in Burnley and Padiham.
“This latest meeting was a good opportunity to hear some of the updates he has around local policing, particularly around the town centre and for him to hear some of the concerns residents and businesses want brought to his attention.”
Councillor Howard Baker, Burnley Council’s Executive Member for Community and Environmental Services said:
“I’m grateful to the Police and Crime Commissioner for coming to Burnley to listen to the council and to our business community about local concerns.
“There is always more we can do to make the town centre a safer and more secure place , so I welcome further commitments to help us reduce antisocial behaviour.”
