Anti-social behaviour in Morecambe town centre has fallen although street drinking remains a concern, say local business champions.
Morecambe BID (Business Improvement District) revealed they'd had a comprehensive report from police on the current crime picture both in the town centre and in Poulton.
They were told that youth and adult antisocial behaviour has decreased, with no current red flag individuals on police monitoring lists.
Police said this progress runs counter to seasonal expectations and is seen as a positive step forward in public safety.
The BID was also told that e-bike and scooter-related issues were also being addressed, with a targeted operation last month resulting in 22 vehicles being seized within three hours. These enforcement efforts are now planned to take place on a regular, ongoing basis.
Meanwhile, BID and police continue to monitor problem hotspots including Euston Road, the Arndale, the Library area and Pedder Street, where a combination of shoplifting, rough sleeping and street begging has been reported.
While the overall number of offenders remains small, the impact on local businesses is recognised and remains a shared priority, said the BID.
Street drinking continues to be a concern, often linked to early-morning access to high-strength alcohol.
The BID said they are actively engaging with licensing officers and city councillors to address this root cause and support a more responsible retail environment.
Motorist behaviour is also under the spotlight, with police promoting Operation Snap, a scheme allowing the public to submit dashcam footage of dangerous driving directly via the Lancashire Police website — a move welcomed by BID and local businesses.
A spokesperson for the local police team also confirmed that a public-facing guide to the legality of e-bikes and scooters will soon be issued, to help both residents and business owners better understand the current rules. Morecambe BID will help share this once available.
The update was part of the ongoing Safe Morecambe initiative, and improvements were said to be thanks in part to visible patrols under Operation Centurion and continued collaborative working between police, Lancaster City Council and the business community.
“Safe Morecambe is all about positive, practical partnership," said David Waddington, chair of Morecambe BID.
"We’re pleased to see a reduction in antisocial behaviour and that our business members are being heard and supported. Of course, there’s still work to do — and we’re committed to staying at the table, pushing for progress and sharing updates with our levy payers.”
The BID said they continue to meet regularly with policing partners, ensuring that the concerns of the business community are represented and addressed, and remains committed to working alongside local agencies to make the town a safer, more welcoming place to live, visit and trade.
Morecambe BID is a private company that spends money raised from a levy paid by local businesses, on improvements to a specific area of the town centre.
Each business within the Morecambe BID zone in the town centre, pays 1.5 per cent of their rateable value into a funding pot once a year.
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