Preston City Centre Action Plan working says police force
It's been running since December
Lancashire Police says a multi-agency action plan, started in December, to tackle retail crime and anti-social behaviour in Preston City Centre, is already delivering positive results, six months on.
Bringing together Police, Preston City Council and Preston Business Improvement District (BID), the initiative set out to reduce offending, improve safety and restore confidence amongst visitors, creating a safer, more vibrant and thriving City Centre.
Over the last six months, partners have come together to share intelligence and carry out joint operations to enhance community safety in the City Centre as part of Operation Vulture, Lancashire Constabulary’s response to tackling retail crime and NightSafe, a campaign to ensure Lancashire’s night-time economy is safe, vibrant and inclusive for all.
Since the City Centre Action Plan was implemented, there has been:
16% reduction in reported anti-social behaviour incidents compared with the same period last year.
22% reduction in shoplifting offences for Preston City Centre compared with the same period last year.
49% positive outcomes for shoplifting for Preston City Centre.
Improved confidence from retailers and staff.
The City Centre Neighbourhood Policing team has, in the last 12 months:
Arrested 271 people for various offences.
Carried out 244 stop searches.
Attended 1825 incidents.
Carried out joint patrols with Preston City Council’s ASB Officers to tackle street drinking.
Preston’s Neighbourhood Policing Chief Inspector, Helen Bevan, said: "Six months on, these results show the real impact of sustained partnership working and a clear focus on the issues that matter most to our city centre. The reduction in anti-social behaviour and retail crime demonstrate that our targeted activity is making a difference.
"We know there is still more to do, but this progress should be reassuring for businesses, staff and the wider community.
“This is a great start and we’re not stopping here. We remain committed to maintaining this momentum, tackling repeat offenders and continuing to make Preston a safe and welcoming place for everyone."
Preston BID Manager, Mark Whittle, said: “We’re grateful to the local policing team for working in partnership with us and the City Council to bring forward the City Centre Action Plan.
“To date, we have seen impressive and encouraging results. Of course, there’s more to do, but with a unified approach and a committed team of officers, I am convinced that we can continue to make a positive impact.
“Our thanks go, specifically, to the city centre policing and leadership teams, for their support, dedication and direct engagement with the business community”.
Cabinet Member for Parks and Community Safety at Preston City Council, Councillor Connor Dwyer, said: “This project reflects a long-term, multi-agency commitment to improving safety, confidence and reducing crime and ASB in Preston City Centre.
“Last year, the City Council’s community safety team issued twelve Community Protection Warnings and three Community Protection Notices for anti-social behaviour in the city centre.
“The team also conducted 59 patrols in the period January to March 2026, targeting street drinking and anti-social activities covered by the City Centre Public Spaces Protection Order.
“Patrols are also conducted at weekends by the Council’s Street Safety Officers and first aid providers to help to keep the streets safe both for residents and people enjoying the city’s night life.
“By supporting these initiatives and events, and having engagement with businesses, it further contributes to enhancing safety in the city centre and therefore attracting more visitors to Preston.”