Commissioner Clive Grunshaw - February 2026

Welcome to the February edition of my newsletter, where I bring you the latest news and updates on crime and policing across Lancashire.

Firstly, I'm pleased to report that Lancashire Police’s Winter of Action, delivered a 5% reduction in overall crime across 15 hotspot areas including Preston, Blackpool and Blackburn. Significant drops were recorded in shoplifting (‑13%), burglaries (‑26%), criminal damage (‑8%), robbery (‑20%) and theft from vehicles (‑17%). This targeted, Home Office-backed operation demonstrates the positive impact that community-led policing has and re-enforces why it is at the heart of my Police and Crime Plan, with partners working together and focusing on the issues that matter most to people and delivering real results. 

This month I have visited a Blackpool project funded with money seized from criminals, reaffirmed my call for stronger legislation around hidden abuse‑linked suicides, and backed tougher laws on removing intimate images shared without consent. I also funded a range of initiatives throughout February, including a digital safeguarding conference, a major “No More County Lines” education tour reaching 4,000 students, and offered key stakeholders a first look at the new Pendle Police Station.

Clive Grunshaw

Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner 

Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls

Intimate Image-Based Abuse

As our lives become increasingly online, we are unfortunately seeing an increase in cyber related crimes. This is why I am backing government proposals for stronger laws requiring technology companies to remove intimate images shared without a victim's consent within 48 hours.

Under the plans, tech firms would be legally required to take down non‑consensual intimate images, including revenge porn and deepfake nudes, within two days of being flagged, or face fines or risk being blocked in the UK.

Victims should never have to chase platform after platform to have intimate images removed or be left exposed to further harm because a company has failed to act. The Government’s proposals are an important step in recognising the seriousness of this issue and ensuring swift action is taken when victims come forward.

Here in Lancashire, we have been working to tackle this issue for some time. Last year we brought together experts and frontline professionals for a conference to look at how we can strengthen protections for vulnerable people online.

DA Related Suicide 

In recent weeks there have been numerous national reports which reveal the true scale of suicides linked to domestic abuse. Lancashire has played a leading role in national discussions on this issue, with my Office hosting a major conference in 2025 which brought together policing, criminal justice, health, and academic partners to explore the legal and investigative challenges associated with domestic abuse‑related suicides.

I have previously taken these concerns directly to Government, making the case for reclassifying coercive and controlling behaviour under the dangerous offender category, enabling extended determinate sentencing  and arguing for a new standalone offence for domestic abuse related suicides to ensure that suspected abuselinked suicides and the coercive control that precedes them see perpetrators receive full accountability and a sentence that reflects their dangerous and abusive behaviour.

Violence Against Women and Girls Fund

My Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Fund has been a fantastic way to support a variety of Lancashire projects that aim to prevent violence, support survivors, and create safer environments for women and girls across Lancashire. 

With support from my VAWG Fund, The Foxton produced a powerful new film titled 'Silent Voices' highlighting the challenges faced by women who experience homelessness and highlights the poor treatment and misconceptions they often face. I was privileged to attend a screening of this locally, where we also heard directly from women who received support from the Foxton. 

It was really moving to hear from local women who have experienced homelessness and had very traumatic experiences as part of that. The film really brings this to life and highlights how life can change in an instant and how people can end up homeless through all kinds of events or circumstances. To hear of the positive impact the service has had and the ways in which these women have been able to move forward with courage and conviction is truly inspiring.

Nail Domestic Abuse

We've seen great interest this month in our #NailDomesticAbuse campaign, which supports victims of domestic abuse and signposts them towards local support services by working with hair and beauty businesses across the county.

The #NailDomesticAbuse campaign offers a free, interactive online training package, designed to help salon business owners and employees to spot the signs of domestic abuse and know what to do if a client, colleague, friend or family member may need support.

Talking about domestic abuse can be really difficult, but this campaign aims to utilise the long-standing relationships salon workers and owners have with their clients. Encourage your local salons to sign up here: Naildomesticabuse.co.uk 

We've had some great feedback from Lancashire salons.

This is a wonderful campaign...My whole team are in full support for standing up for those who are struggling to stand up for themselves.

Thank you not only for the opportunity to help guide victims of domestic abuse, but for also raising awareness.

 Tackle Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour

 Safer Business Leaders Partnership Joint Advisory Board

This week I brought together senior business leaders for the first meeting of the Safer Lancashire Business Partnership Joint Advisory Board – a new forum created with Lancashire Constabulary to strengthen joint efforts against crimes affecting retailers and businesses.

This new Board will provide a direct link between policing teams and the county’s business community, ensuring issues on high streets, in workplaces and across retail centres are clearly understood and addressed. The businesses involved are those that reported the highest number of incidents to Lancashire Constabulary over the past year, and also include Business Improvement Districts and Chambers of Commerce.

We’ve already seen through work like Operation Vulture and Operation Centurion how much can be achieved when businesses and policing work closely together. This Board builds on that momentum, ensuring the voices of business owners are not only heard, but central to how we tackle crime across Lancashire.

MP Funding

From discussions with police and partners, it is clear that ketamine is a growing issue nationally - not just in Lancashire. Through my Member of Parliament Fund, I am pleased that Burnley and Padiham MP Oliver Ryan has chosen to support Ketamine Education Services (KES). KES utilises lived experience to educate young people about the dangers of ketamine, supporting them to make healthier choices. 

I also visited the Brian Rose Boxing Academy, who have received funding from my MP Fund thanks to Blackpool South MP Chris Webb. Funding provided through the Community Fund has allowed the boxing club to secure a mini bus, which will allow Lancashire residents from further afield to attend sessions at the centre. 

We have seen previously how successful diversionary projects such as Brian Rose Boxing can be in preventing young people from getting involved in criminality and breaking cycles of re-offending. I’m excited to keep backing projects like this, using cash taken from criminals to create positive change and transform lives.

 Get Tough on Serious Violent Crime

 Lancashire Violence Reduction Network 

This month my Lancashire Violence Reduction Network (LVRN) has continued to support young people across the county.

In Hyndburn a specialist drug and alcohol awareness event in Partnership with We are With You was hosted at Accrington Stanley for young people who may be at risk of using illegal drugs and potential exploitation. My Deputy PCC Kimberley Whitehead attended the event, alongside 25 young people - many of whom are already engaged with the LVRN's Champions mentoring programme. 

Protecting vulnerable young people from harm is a core priority, and events like this allow us to reach those who may be at risk in a positive and supportive way. Bringing together education, lived experience, and trusted mentors helps break down the barriers that often prevent young people from seeking help.

The Message Trust also delivered inputs in schools about the dangers of exploitation, knife crime and drug offences. The 'No More County Lines' tour visited around 4,000 young people in schools thanks to funding from my Office.

Whilst officers work around the clock to break up these criminal enterprises, prevention is at the heart of our response to county lines across Lancashire, which is what this tour is all about.

It’s absolutely vital that young people can be confident that there is support available, encouraging them to speak up whilst also equipping them with the knowledge of how to spot the signs of criminal exploitation.

Safeguarding in a Digital Age

Professionals from across Lancashire came together for a multi‑agency event aimed at strengthening the county’s collective response to online harms.

Funded by my Office and opened by my Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Kimberley Whitehead, the conference brought together safeguarding leads, educators, health partners, residential children’s home staff, third sector organisations, housing, probation, youth justice police specialists, and digital safety professionals to deepen understanding of emerging threats in the online space.

Hosted in partnership with the University of Lancashire, my Violence Reduction Network, Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, and Lancashire Education Partnership Officers, and Lancashire Safeguarding in Education the event explored the rise of harmful online networks known as COM groups -  online communities often linked to serious offences including child sexual abuse, cyber‑enabled exploitation, and extremism. Throughout the day, attendees shared best practice and discussed practical approaches to responding to complex online threats. 

Spotlight on Champions

The Champions Targeted Mentoring Programme, now overseen by my Office, is entering its eighth year and is stronger than ever, delivering high‑quality, professional mentoring to Lancashire’s most vulnerable children and young adults. Recent YEF Guidance for Youth Work and Violence Prevention reinforces that the programme is working with the right young people, in the right way, and with the greatest chance of achieving meaningful engagement. Aligned with key YEF recommendations, which are aimed at preventing children and young people from becoming involved in violence, the Champions model provides long‑term, one‑to‑one mentoring, access to structured positive activities, robust safeguarding practice and ongoing professional development for mentors across nine community trusts.

The programme specifically targets those facing the highest risks, children excluded or absent from education, those in care, young people affected by adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and individuals with violent convictions, while building trusted relationships that act as vital protective factors. With strengthened supervision, trauma‑informed practice, and a renewed evidence‑based outcomes framework, the Champions Programme continues to deliver consistent, creative and client‑centred support, making a significant impact on Lancashire’s hardest‑to‑reach young people. For further information visit the Champions website.

Rebuild Public Trust and Confidence

Custody data scrutinised amid rise in domestic abuse detainees

At the recent meeting of my office's Custody Detention Scrutiny Panel, data presented revealed a 66% increase in detainees held in the county's custody suites for domestic abuse offences compared to the same period in 2022. 

Despite the growth in detainee numbers, the use of force used across the Constabulary has continued to fall, reinforcing the commitment that force is only used when necessary and proportionate. I welcome the proactive approach taken by officers to detain those suspected of domestic abuse, alongside other offences. Ensuring detainees are treated with respect is essential and scrutinising how custody operates in Lancashire is a key part of the openness and transparency needed to rebuild public trust.

Pendle Police Station

I was pleased to welcome local stakeholders on a tour of the new Pendle Station ahead of its official opening in April. The new Pendle Station will replace the no longer fit-for-purpose stations in Nelson and Colne, and include a public front counter, response and neighbourhood policing teams, investigations, CSI and more.

It’s a major investment into community safety and the future of policing in Lancashire, and over the course of the build has seen us use our spending power to deliver local jobs, apprenticeships and investment, with £11.8m spend kept local, alongside 70% labour.

I’m looking forward to seeing this modern police station delivering the policing service people deserve and expect, helping in our commitment to tackling crime, and making our communities safer.

Victims' Code

The Victims’ Code explains the rights that everyone can expect to receive as a victim of crime. This month, the Ministry of Justice has launched the second phase of the Understand Your Rights campaign, continuing work to raise awareness of the Victims’ Code and ensure victims understand the support they are entitled to.

Research shows that too few young adults are aware of their rights as victims, despite being at greater risk of experiencing violent crime. As well as continuing to support agencies across the criminal justice system in promoting the Victims’ Code, especially university students, who are particularly vulnerable to crime, this phase of the campaign aims to strengthen confidence in the criminal justice system by making the Victims’ Code clear, accessible and relevant to every victim, whatever the crime and whoever they are.

Support for victims of crime across Lancashire is available through Victim Care Lancashire. Funded by my Office, their team of specially trained Victim Care Advisers offers free, confidential, and non-judgemental support. This includes emotional support, listening to victims’ concerns, practical help, and signposting to additional services based on individual needs. Visit Victim Care Lancashire to find out more about your rights as a victim of crime.