A Morecambe business owner has joined police officers on patrol as part of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour in the town.
David Waddington accompanied PC Katie Foster and PC Jo Lamb on their duties as part of Operation Centurion.
Afterwards, Mr Waddington, who owns Miogelato in Morecambe and is also chair of Morecambe BID (Business Improvement District), said he got a real insight into the work of police officers on the beat.
"I needed a coffee and a lie down afterwards - and that was only a quarter of their shift!” he said.
Operation Centurion is a government-funded initiative aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour in hotspot areas.
Mr Waddington joined the police officers as they patrolled the Promenade, Queen Street, Euston Road, the Arndale Centre, Festival Market, Morrison’s site, The Range, Aldi, the Stone Jetty, and beyond — a full circuit through Morecambe’s key public and commercial areas.
During the two-hour patrol, the officers spoke to a range of local businesses, reviewed CCTV relating to reported thefts, carried out welfare conversations with members of the homeless community, and even called into the office of Lizzi Collinge, MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale.
“In a short space of time, I saw just how many conversations these officers have - from checking in with businesses to chatting with passers-by, giving directions, or dealing with more sensitive issues,” said Mr Waddington.
“The general level of respect shown to the officers was great to see, and their calm, friendly approach stood out."
PC Foster said: “We work with partners including councils and housing associations to focus on areas of particular concern.
"Beyond that, it’s a great opportunity to be out and about, visible and approachable - speaking to local residents, business owners, and visitors.”
Through its ‘Safe Morecambe’ initiative, Morecambe BID works closely with local policing teams to support safety and reassurance across the town.
“We’re proud of our ongoing partnership with Lancashire Police,” said Mr Waddington.
“Seeing the work being done at street level gives real insight into the effort that goes into making Morecambe a safer place for all - residents, businesses, and visitors alike.”
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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