Lancashire Police Commissioner's progress after two years in office
Initiatives like Get the Message aim to tackle violence against women and girls
Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, is marking two years since his re-election by highlighting the progress made on key priorities geared towards tackling violence against women and girls, preventing crime, and ensuring safety in Lancashire.
Since his re-election, Commissioner Grunshaw has been following through on pledges established in his Police and Crime Plan.
Efforts to prevent violence against women and girls have included launching campaigns that focus on changing harmful behaviour through 'Get the Message' as well as tackling misogyny. The initiative '#NailDomesticAbuse' collaborates with beauty salons to spot signs of domestic abuse, encourage reporting, and direct individuals to supportive resources.
Innovations like dedicated VAWG PCSOs, a first in the nation, investment in communities, and efforts to strengthen legislation demonstrate a robust commitment toward addressing these issues.
Commissioner Grunshaw's focus also extends to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour concerning the illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters. Over the past year, 1,225 of these vehicles have been seized, marking a 175% increase over previous efforts. Moreover, action at the local level is complemented by national lobbying for stronger laws to remove such from Lancashire’s streets.
Furthermore, investment of cash seized from criminals, such as £64,000 to tackle re-offending and £90,000 towards summer prevention projects, has aimed to bolster community safety. Pendle Police Station is set to open to the public in April, with Chorley planned to follow next year.
Grunshaw, having served two terms previously between 2012 and 2021, was re-elected in May 2024. He continues to hold the Chief Constable accountable by scrutinising police performance on behalf of the public, enhancing the force control room, and promoting increased confidence in anonymous reporting.
Commissioner Grunshaw said: "Serving the people of Lancashire as Police and Crime Commissioner remains a privilege, and the two years since my re-election has flown by with my Office delivering vital work that helps keep the county safe.
"We've seen real progress in delivering on my commitment to prevent violence against women and girls, using the results of my county-wide survey to address the key concerns particularly around domestic abuse, misogyny, and the night time economy.
"Our focus on anti-social behaviour, and in particular the illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters, has seen action taken at a local level and the county's voice heard nationally.
"My Violence Reduction Network's focus on prevention and early intervention has delivered better outcomes for young people, significant reductions in serious violence and major progress across its prevention and early-intervention programmes, alongside the strong enforcement we continue to see, targeting criminal gangs through Operation Warrior.
"I have also continued to hold the Chief Constable to account by scrutinising police performance on behalf of the public. Investment into the force control room has seen a marked improvement in both emergency and non-emergency calls, and we are also seeing increased confidence to report anonymously.
"This is just some of the work that is delivering for the people of Lancashire, and my Office and I will continue to do whatever we can to hold Lancashire Constabulary to account, support victims of crime and protect the public."