Safety Through Strength Annual Report 2024-25 - Page 9

As Commissioner, I support the strong enforcement carried out by Lancashire Constabulary and ensure they have the resources and backing needed to proactively tackle those who bring violence to our county’s streets and put them behind bars. At the same time, we take steps to prevent violence and intervene to divert people from offending or reoffending.

By utilising the resources and tools at our disposal and sending a clear message that any culture of violence must be eradicated, we will make Lancashire safer, protect people, and ultimately save lives.

Operation Warrior

The ongoing success of Operation Warrior, Lancashire Constabulary’s initiative to combat organised crime, has been remarkable, showcasing the drive and dedication of police officers and staff to dismantle violent gangs that prey on vulnerable individuals and devastate communities. We will not tolerate the fear and misery that this type of offending causes. In addition to incarcerating gang members, I fully support the Chief Constable in ensuring that offenders are stripped of their ill-gotten gains, whether cash, cars, or other assets. The results over the past twelve months speak for themselves and send a clear message: if you are committing serious crime in Lancashire, you will be stopped.

Asset seizures including cash, vehicles, firearms, and drugs.

Serious Crimes

Drug Crimes

Safeguarding

‘Clear, Hold, Build’ and Operation Prosper

The rollout of the ‘Clear, Hold, Build’ framework, developed by the Home Office, has made a significant impact in Fleetwood, the first area in Lancashire to implement this targeted plan. It focuses on specific neighbourhoods affected by organised crime, making them safer.

With relentless efforts to remove offenders from the area and enhanced patrols to prevent gangs from moving in, Operation Prosper involves representatives from the public and private sectors, as well as local schools and groups, working together to ensure the community can progress.

I visited Fleetwood to observe the progress being made and to hear how strong enforcement and preventative measures are making a real difference to local residents. I look forward to seeing this framework rolled out to other areas in Lancashire.

Modern Slavery

The Pan Lancashire Anti-Slavery Partnership (PLASP) has been diligently continuing its work, bringing together numerous key stakeholders in efforts to combat modern slavery across Lancashire. With events and training sessions taking place throughout the year, the partnership, which I contribute funding towards, works to enhance public understanding of the complex issues surrounding human trafficking and contemporary slavery. This included the Tackling Modern Slavery Together event.

In January 2025, over 80 delegates gathered at Lancashire Constabulary Headquarters for the Tackling Modern Slavery Together event, hosted by the Lancashire Partnership Against Crime (LANPAC), Lancashire Constabulary, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire, and PLASP. Through powerful discussions, expert insights, and a moving testimony from a survivor, attendees deepened their understanding of modern slavery and strengthened collaboration in tackling exploitation across businesses and communities.

The partnership has been building on the launch of the Pan Lancashire Anti-Slavery Pledge in February 2024 to raise awareness among businesses, providing guidance on steps they can take to prevent modern slavery. Resources include an advice checklist, posters, and training products.

County Lines

I have continued to support Lancashire Constabulary, along with our regional and national partners such as the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) and the National Crime Agency, in the crucial work to tackle county lines. This type of offending crosses borders and requires a coordinated approach to stop gang members and protect vulnerable individuals.

In November 2024, a major national crackdown on county lines gangs led to dozens of arrests, and the seizure of cash, weapons, and mobile phones in Lancashire, putting those who damage entire communities behind bars.

Also in November, the ‘Eyes Open’ campaign was launched. Codeveloped by police forces in Lancashire, Greater Manchester, North Wales, and Merseyside, alongside the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) and Violence Reduction Network, the campaign aims to educate young people, their parents, and carers about the dangers of grooming, exploitation, and the deceptive tactics used by county lines gangs.

The Eyes Open campaign highlights the predatory nature of gangs and how they groom children through gifts or a sense of belonging. It also empowers parents and young people to recognise the signs of exploitation and provides information on where they can seek support.

Sceptre

Tackling knife crime and removing dangerous weapons from our streets is a priority throughout the year, with additional focus during the national Sceptre Operation, which sends a clear message that carrying a knife will not be tolerated in Lancashire.

During the week-long initiative in November, 331 stop and searches were conducted, seven search warrants were executed, and 90 arrests were made. Lancashire’s 23 knife surrender bins provided a safe way for individuals to dispose of dangerous weapons, contributing to a significant number of knives recovered during the week. In total, 1,447 knives were collected, and 15,860 young people were engaged in discussions about the dangers of carrying or using knives through workshops and assemblies held in schools, colleges, youth clubs, and other community settings.

I will continue to work closely with the Chief Constable to ensure that Lancashire Police have the tools and resources they need to tackle this issue head-on.