Police in Lancashire are aiming to make sure it’s a bleak winter for criminals with the launch of a new crime crackdown for Christmas and beyond.
The Safer Streets Winter of Action will tackle retail theft, abuse of shop workers and organised criminality; along with street crime and antisocial behaviour; as well as crime in the night time economy.
The campaign will run until the end of January, and involve extra high visibility patrols, particularly in busy town centres , increased partnership working and firm action being taken against festive felons.
The initiative follows on the back of the Safer Streets Summer Initiative, which saw over 500 arrests, 711 partner patrols completed and the use of 563 ASB powers to protect the public.
Commenting on Winter of Action, Assistant Chief Constable Stasia Osiowy said: “This winter, we’re taking action to make our streets safer for everyone.
“Through more visible neighbourhood policing and stronger partnerships on the ground, our aim is to stop offenders in their tracks and prevent individuals and businesses becoming victims of crime this Christmas.
“We will be engaging with local communities to share information which will help them protect themselves and their property and we’ll be working with partner agencies to resolve issues and ensure we use all the powers collectively available to us to reduce crime.
“Together, we can and will continue to crack down on crime and create a safer Lancashire where businesses thrive, and communities feel secure.”
Throwing his support behind the initiative, Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said: “Building on the success of the Safer Streets Summer Initiative, the Winter of Action is our chance to keep that momentum going and tackle the unique challenges of the festive season.
"We saw during the summer campaign the positive impact that community-led policing has and re-enforces why it is at the heart of my Police and Crime Plan, with partners working together and focusing on the issues that matter most to people and delivering real results.
"From bustling shopping streets to vibrant nightlife, we want people to feel safe, welcome, and proud of their areas.
"This means more visible policing, responding to the public’s concerns in key areas such as anti-social behaviour, retail and street crime, and with darker nights during this time of year ensuring people feel safer out and about, wherever they are in Lancashire.
"I'm confident we will see a visible difference and encouraging results through this intensified action, and everyone has a role to play. I encourage everyone to report concerns via Crimestoppers, the police, or our dedicated ASB website as we work together to deliver safer streets across Lancashire, through Winter and beyond.’’
Wife's new book celebrates artist husband and their life story from Czechoslovakia to Lancaster
Police begin spot checks in Lancaster for Christmas drink and drug driving campaign
LISTEN: Lancaster man tells how he turned his life around ahead of sleep-out for homeless
Tributes paid to former Morecambe FC director who was "a top gentleman and true Shrimp"
Charity Morecambe Bay Calendar gets backing from The Bay TV star
Flats plan revealed for former Morecambe town centre bank
Mr Motivator teams up with Lancaster University to help cancer patients prepare for treatment
Longest running music festival in Morecambe cancelled in 2026
Council appeal for help to catch fly tipping culprits
Crews attend domestic building fire in Halton
Crews spend six hours tackling Morecambe building fire
‘Our message is clear’ – Lancashire Police launch annual Christmas drink and drug drive campaign
Lancaster paraplegic amputee adventurer receives MBE
26 arrests made at pro-Palestine demonstration outside Lancaster Castle
Lancaster Music Festival to return in 2026
Lancaster toddler with life-threatening condition honoured as ‘Young Heart Hero’
Lancaster University professor receives OBE at Windsor Castle ceremony
Heysham Power Stations’ tour for deaf visitors is first of its kind
LISTEN: Mums talk about new Lancaster & Morecambe Bay support group for parents
