Police and partner organisations joined forces for a series of high-profile action days aimed at preventing business crime and supporting retailers in Morecambe.
Officers from Neighbourhood Policing Teams hosted engagement events in supermarkets Morecambe and other areas of the county to raise awareness of Operation Vulture - Lancashire Police’s force-wide response to retail crime.
The events provided crime prevention advice, and offered opportunities for businesses and members of the public to speak directly with officers.
The action days also promoted a newly developed leaflet highlighting support services available to people who may be experiencing issues that can lead to shoplifting and related anti-social behaviour.
The initiative aims to help identify individuals in need and refer them with appropriate support before problems escalate.
The activity follows the recent launch of the Safer Lancashire Business Partnership, which brings together businesses and key partners from across the county to strengthen collaboration, share best practice and identify new ways to tackle crime affecting the retail sector.
Through this partnership approach, Lancashire Police and its partners are working to create safer shopping environments for businesses, staff and customers.
T/Chief Superintendent Scott Boast, Co-Vice-Chair of the Safer Lancashire Business Partnership, said: "Retail crime can have a significant impact on businesses, employees and local communities, which is why tackling it remains a priority for Lancashire Police and our partners.
"These action days provided an excellent opportunity to engage directly with retailers and the public, raise awareness of Operation Vulture and highlight the proactive work taking place across Lancashire to prevent crime and support businesses.
"Our Anti-Social Behaviour Prevention and Problem-Solving Team works closely with businesses throughout the year to identify vulnerabilities, strengthen security measures and address concerns around issues such as shop theft, anti-social behaviour and violence against retail workers.
"By working together, sharing information and building strong partnerships, we can develop long-term solutions that help make Lancashire's town centres and retail environments safer for everyone."
Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw, Chair of the Safer Lancashire Business Partnership, said: "I fully support the proactive approach taken by Lancashire Constabulary to tackle retail crime across the county through Op Vulture.
"Engagement events like this strengthen relationships between businesses, the police and the public, which is key to tackling issues like shoplifting or the harassment of shopworkers.
"By working together, we can make a real difference for those working in retail while ensuring that our town centres remain safe places to visit and enjoy.
‘’I will continue to back the Constabulary's efforts and bring partners together through my Safer Lancashire Business Partnership."
Two teenagers arrested after hour long chase through fields near Lancaster
Bid to make Lancaster On Ice a long-term annual attraction clears key hurdle
Police issue warning after report of rogue trader knocking on doors in Skerton
Competition winners announced as Morecambe Poetry Festival on track to sell out
Lancaster festival headlined by Tinchy Stryder is cancelled
LISTEN: How Pride in Place team hope to make difference in West End of Morecambe
Cat charity speaks out after nine kittens "in bad way" found by roadside in Morecambe
Council condemns fly tippers after multiple incidents across Lancaster district
Carnforth man who broke neck in swimming pool accident flown home after £150K appeal
Lancaster Farms prison to gain 240 extra places as part of national expansion programme
Lancaster comic Jon Richardson returning home for theatre show
Three arrests after cars stolen from house and pharmacy break-in near Lancaster
Firefighters tackle vehicle fire on Bay Gateway
Morecambe's lifeboat crew respond to report of person shouting for help
"Massive explosions" amid fire on Morecambe industrial estate
LISTEN: Friends' new social group is bringing women together in Morecambe
Lancaster schoolgirl, eight, takes campaign to save bees to Westminster
Motorbike rider taken to hospital with serious injuries after crash at Carnforth
LISTEN: Morecambe coffee shop owner thanks community for support after break-in
Appeal after vandals spray graffiti on new Lancaster public bins
