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I wanted to provide you with an update regarding Vehicle crime , which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey. A man has been jailed for attempting to break into cars and steal from them following an investigation by officers of the Ribble Valley Neighbourhood Policing Team.
Yesterday, Bernard Rawstron, 52, of Leach Street, Blackburn appeared before Blackburn Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty to five counts of interference with a motor vehicle. He was sentenced to six months imprisonment.
On 27th of May 2026, Lancashire Police Officers were called to reports that a man – later identified as Rawstron - had been seen on doorbell camera footage at approx. 2:20 that morning approaching a vehicle and trying to open the car door without success.
After investigation, officers identified a further four victims of vehicle interference in the area.
In addition to his custodial sentence, the Ribble Valley Neighbourhood Policing Team successfully applied to the magistrates for a Criminal Behaviour Order which bans Rawstron from entering the Ribble Valley borough for three years.
Ribble Valley Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant, Duncan Hall, said:
“I welcome the sentence handed down to this offender, which includes a custodial term and the imposition of a Criminal Behaviour Order.
“The Criminal Behaviour Order will place strict restrictions on the offender’s actions and associations, helping us to prevent further offending and protect the public. Breach of this order is a criminal offence and will be dealt with robustly.
“I hope this outcome provides reassurance to our community that we are committed to tackling car theft and holding offenders to account. We will continue to work closely with partners and residents to deter crime, support victims, and keep our neighbourhoods safe.”
 If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.lancashire.police.uk, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online webpage Home - Lancashire Constabulary - Report Online or call the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, you can stay 100 per cent anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. Get Involved Please consider getting involved by registering for these messages, this will enable you to contribute to the local priority survey. We may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on. Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you. 
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