Safer Streets Summer

The Rt Hon Lord Hanson of Flint, Minister of State at the Home Office, visited Preston on Monday to champion the Government’s Safer Streets Summer campaign which brings together police and partner agencies to target reductions in town centre theft, street crime, and antisocial behaviour through high‑visibility policing and public engagement.

Lord Hanson visited Preston Police Station where he was met by PCC Clive Grunshaw, Chief Constable Sacha Hatchett and other senior officers before being briefed on the latest results of Op Centurion, which is tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB) across Lancashire, alongside Op Vulture which has seen positive outcomes for shoplifting reports doubled over the last 12 months.

Whilst at the station, Lord Hanson was also able to see the new fleet of specialist on and off-road motorcycles purchased thanks to investment from Commissioner Grunshaw. This additional resource is now bolstering the crack down on the illegal use of e-bikes, e-scooters, and general motorbike nuisance as part of Op Centurion.

Since the launch of the Safer Streets Summer initiative in June, officers have seized a total of 178 nuisance e-vehicles over 4 days of targeted action, made 220 arrests, carried out 480 stop and searches and made 64 youth referrals while also patrolling key areas with a wide range of local partner agencies to deter and detect crime.

As part of his visit to Preston, Lord Hanson and Commissioner Grunshaw also went to Preston Flag Market where they met with neighbourhood officers to walk the beat before touring Fishergate, engaging with local retailers.

Clive Grunshaw, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Lord Hanson to Lancashire to highlight the excellent work that is taking place to tackle crime and ASB across the county.

“Local communities want visible, responsive policing—that’s exactly what we’re delivering in Preston and across Lancashire, enforcing the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee with named officers in local areas.

“Through Op Centurion and Op Vulture we are addressing issues from shoplifting and street crime to anti‑social behaviour.

“Preston deserves a safe and thriving town centre environment. Through the Safer Streets Summer campaign, we’re strengthening neighbourhood policing, stepping up visible patrols, and supporting strong crime prevention partnerships.

“Through my Community Fund I am also investing in diversionary activities during school holidays to foster safer and more inclusive environments and to prevent crime and ASB.

“Joint working between the police, business associations, and local organisations is vital to ensure effective crime prevention and detection and I will continue to work closely with Lancashire Constabulary and our partners to keep Lancashire safe.”

Assistant Chief Constable Stasia Osiowy of Lancashire Police added: “It was a pleasure to welcome Lord Hanson to Lancashire today and highlight the Safer Streets Summer campaign. We know from our surveys that anti-social behaviour is a key issue for people in Lancashire. Through Op Centurion and Safer Streets Summer, we are keen to show that ASB will not be tolerated in our county.

“We want our high streets and town centres – like Preston’s – to be places where people feel safe to go about their business. That’s why it’s so important we have the fleet, technology, and systems that allow us to meet the evolving demands of modern policing. The Commissioner’s investment in new police motorcycles is a great example of this; these vehicles will help our officers take the fight to criminals and those who engage in ASB.

“We also work closely with partners, which allows us to deliver a more targeted approach to the concerns raised by our communities.

“From stopping shoplifters to seizing illegal e-bikes, we are determined to keep Lancashire safe for everyone. Campaigns such as Safer Streets Summer give us the opportunity to highlight the outstanding work that our officers do every day.”

The Home Office’s Safer Streets Summer Initiative, led locally by Police and Crime Commissioners, Chief Constables and local authorities, is running from 30 June to 30 September.