During the visit, officers shared recent achievements from Operation Vulture in the town, Lancashire Constabulary’s initiative targeting shoplifting across the county, which have led to successful prosecutions and the issuing of Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) that are actively preventing repeat offenders from returning to Accrington town centre.

The visit also allowed the officers, the Commissioner and the MP to discuss the impact the Safer Streets Summer initiative is having on the town centre as it concludes on September 30th, with increased visibility patrols making a real difference on rates of anti-social behaviour.

The Home Office initiative, led locally by Police and Crime Commissioners, Chief Constables and local authorities brings together police and partner agencies to target reductions in town centre theft, street crime, and antisocial behaviour through high‑visibility policing and public engagement.

Following the visit, Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said:

“It was great to be out in Accrington, hearing from local officers about the main issues they are dealing with and talking to the public about their priorities for policing in the area.

“It’s clear to see how invested officers are in keeping both residents and businesses in the town centre safe, and this is exactly what neighbourhood policing is all about.

“As Police and Crime Commissioner, I will continue to work closely with the Constabulary to ensure they have the resources they need to tackle local issues head on and by working with MPs across Lancashire we can ensure that local concerns can be raised at national level.”

Sarah Smith, MP for Hyndburn said:

“Last week I joined local officers and Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw on the streets of Accrington. It was clear they’re putting in a lot of hard work to keep the town centre safe, and I want to recognise that effort.

“Shoplifting and antisocial behaviour are real problems, and residents and businesses shouldn’t have to put up with it. As your MP, I’m committed to cracking down on repeat offenders and making sure the police have what they need to tackle crime head-on.

“Seeing the officers and Clive at work last week showed me that when the police are visible and proactive, it makes a real difference. People deserve to feel safe where they live, shop, and work, and I’ll keep pushing to make that happen.”