PCC and Blackpool South MP walk beat

Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw and Chris Webb, MP for Blackpool South, joined local police officers on the beat to see how officers are keeping the town centre safe this Summer.

During the visit, the Commissioner and MP discussed with the officers how work done as part Op Centurion has been visibly and consistently lowering rates of antisocial behaviour (ASB) in the area over the last few years.

The MP praised the work of the recently launched on and off-road bike fleet, part of Op Centurion, to combat the illegal use of e-scooters and e-bikes in the town. In one afternoon of action during August, the team seized upwards of 50 nuisance vehicles.

The visit also highlighted the work happening locally to deliver on the national Safer Streets Summer initiative, which focuses on high-visibility policing and collaborative efforts to reduce crime in town centres.

Following the visit, Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said:

“Blackpool is a major tourist destination in our county, which understandably has an influx of visitors over the summer months. It’s important that our towns remain welcoming and safe for everyone—whether they live, work, or are just visiting.

“The Safer Streets Summer initiative is a great example of what can be achieved through strong partnership working. Police, councils, businesses, and community organisations are coming together to address the issues that matter most to local people.

“As Police and Crime Commissioner, I remain committed to working alongside Lancashire Police, MPs, and other partners to promote collaboration and deliver the best possible policing service across the county.”

Chris Webb, MP for Blackpool South, said:

“It was great to be out on the beat with Clive and our police officers, seeing for myself the difference Op Centurion is making here in Blackpool. My constituents tell me constantly that antisocial behaviour is one of their biggest concerns and it remains a top priority for me to tackle. More officers on the streets and tougher action against it are clearly working.

“The new bike fleet is already having a big impact, taking nuisance e-bikes and scooters off our streets. That matters to people who deserve to feel safe walking through town. I’ll keep working with the Commissioner, Lancashire Police, Blackpool Council and community partners to make sure our town centre is safe, welcoming and somewhere we can all be proud of.”