Commissioner Reaffirms Tough Stance on Retail Crime to Business Leaders

Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, addressed business leaders at the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce’s Diamond Ambassador Business Lunch, reaffirming his commitment to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) affecting local businesses.

Both the Commissioner and representatives from Lancashire Constabulary highlighted the work being done through Operation Centurion to tackle ASB in all its forms, alongside the steps taken to tackle retail crime through Operation Vulture.

The event also included a talk on the dangers of cybercrime for businesses, from everyday online scams to larger cyber-fraud schemes.

Following the event, Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said:

“It was great to speak directly with representatives from a wide range of East Lancashire businesses and discuss how we can continue to strengthen the support available to organisations across the county.

“Crime affects businesses in many forms, from shoplifting to increasingly sophisticated cyber‑offences. Events like this play a vital role in building stronger relationships between business owners and the police, encouraging open conversations about how we can work together more effectively.”

“As Commissioner, my priority is to make Lancashire a safer place to live and work. Achieving this relies on strong leadership, a resilient police force, and effective measures that deter crime and protect our communities.”

Professor Miranda Barker OBE, CEO of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, said:

“It was wonderful to host our Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire Clive Grunshaw and Superintendent Patrick  Worden at our Diamond Ambassadors lunch, not only to hear the commitment from both to the work that businesses value greatly reducing the local crime they suffer, but also to give our local firms a face and a name, a real identity to the police efforts we all value, and very much the feel of an open door, a partnership they can be part of to tackle crime and support local communities –  thank you.”