Action Plan Launched To Tackle ASB across Lancashire

A new action plan has been unveiled by Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw and Lancashire Constabulary, setting out a clear and coordinated approach to tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB) across the county.

The Lancashire ASB Action Plan supports policing’s commitment to the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, which underpins the Government’s Safer Streets mission.

Launched at a partnership event in Blackburn, the plan brings together the collective capabilities of Lancashire Constabulary, local authorities, housing providers, the voluntary sector, and community organisations.

Community safety and health partners, including NHS providers, social care services, and specialist support organisations, also form an essential part of the collaborative effort, alongside the Commissioner’s Violence Reduction Network.

Speaking after the launch, Commissioner Grunshaw said: “This plan sets out how we are tackling ASB from all angles here in Lancashire.

“Of course, this includes enforcement, but it goes much further than that, involving our partners from education, health, housing, retail and the third sector so that we not only target offenders but prevent problems from escalating in the first place.

“Based on detailed analysis, we can target resources where they are needed most and ensure that residents receive the service they expect and deserve, whether that is from the police, their local authority or the wider partnership.

“Our local councils hold crucial powers in housing, licensing and environmental health, and through our work with schools and youth services we can reach children and young people to intervene early, encourage positive choices and get ahead of any issues that may result in ASB.

“Through this plan, we will utilise the full breadth of our partnership network to build on the success of Lancashire Constabulary’s Op Centurion, which has made great strides in tackling ASB across the county, as well as Op Vulture, which tackles retail crime.

“Over the past year officers seized and crushed 1,225 e-scooters and e-bikes, a 175% increase on the previous year, whilst continuing to crack down on issues like criminal damage, drug dealing and intimidating behaviour.

“I will continue to work closely with the Constabulary and our partners to combat all forms of ASB and ensure that Lancashire is a safe place for all.”

Assistant Chief Constable Stasia Osiowy said:

“From criminal damage and drug dealing to the reckless and illegal use of cars and e-vehicles, anti-social behaviour comes in many forms.

“What these offences all have in common is the fear they create and the damage they inflict on the quality of life in our communities. That is simply unacceptable.

“Working with our partners, we are taking decisive action to stamp out anti-social behaviour. In the past twelve months alone, we have secured 22 closure orders on nuisance premises and seized more than 1,200 vehicles used to cause distress and disruption.

“Through Operation Centurion and our new dedicated action plan, we will continue to take robust, relentless action—supporting victims, holding offenders to account, and targeting the issues that matter most to our communities.”

The Lancashire ASB Action Plan can be found on the Police and Crime Commissioner’s website at lancashire-pcc.gov.uk.

Information about different types of ASB and how to report them is available at LancashireTacklingASB.co.uk.