At the meeting today (Tuesday 18th July 2023), the Commissioner outlined some of the operational activity carried out in the first six hotspot areas being targeted through the Op Centurion campaign, launched jointly with Lancashire Constabulary at the beginning of July.
Increased police patrols and proactive enforcement activity has already been seen in these first hotspot areas, with every district in Lancashire set to benefit from £2m additional Government funding secured by the PCC to address ASB concerns.
Also at the meeting, which is made up of cross party representatives from local authorities across Lancashire and scrutinises the work of the Police and Crime Commissioner, the Commissioner presented the Police and Crime Panel with his Annual Report for 2022/23.
Some key highlights included how the Constabulary has recruited over 1,300 officers over the past year, replacing the hundreds that have retired and surpassing the police uplift target with 612 additional police officers. Over £200K has been given out in the Safer Lancashire Neighbourhood Fund to help equip communities to take a stand against crime and officers have made 1,000 arrests for burglary and robbery offences.
Andrew Snowden, Police and Crime Commissioner said:
“The first two weeks of Operation Centurion have seen some fantastic results, with additional investment into the first six hotspot areas already delivering results with more police patrols, more enforcement and safer communities.
“Getting tough on anti-social behaviour is a top priority in my Fighting Crime Plan and exactly what Op Centurion is all about, building on the work we’ve seen during the last two years with strengthened, dedicated neighbourhood teams, police stations reopened to the public and the launch of a new ASB command.
“Our work on anti-social behaviour across the county is just one of the areas covered in my Annual Report, looking at the key achievements during 2022/23, alongside dedicated Rape and Sexual Assault (RASSO)Teams and successes fighting organised crime through investment in Op Warrior.
“I will continue to work with the police and our partners to deliver the outstanding policing service the public expect and deserve, whilst supporting the Chief Constable with the backing and resources he needs to take the fight to criminals and put offenders behind bars. ”
