The ‘Divert from Danger’ project focuses on reducing criminal damage and anti social behaviour around empty buildings in the City Centre during the summer holidays, where previous experience has shown this increases during this period.

The multi-agency project focuses on targeting young people, and raise awareness of the inherent dangers of entering these sites, with community outreach from Preston North End Community Trust to engage with young people.

This approach aims to keep people safe whilst also reducing demand on the emergency services.

Clive Grunshaw, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire said:

“The range of projects I’ve funded during summer have been making a real difference helping to make communities safer and prevent crime, and the fact I have invested in these using funds that have been seized from criminals is even better.

“This project in the centre of Preston specifically tackles an issue that had been identified, which lessens both offending and pressures of the police service, keeps people safe from danger and educates on the risks of abandoned buildings, which can only be positive long term.

“As Commissioner, making Lancashire a safer place to live is my primary aim. This can only be achieved by getting upstream and having strong leadership, a strong police force, and strong deterrents.”