Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, has outlined his commitment to getting tough on the ‘epidemic’ of shoplifting as he met with key business stakeholders, alongside the local policing team in Preston.

Mr Grunshaw joined representatives from Preston Business Improvement District (BID) out on the City Centre beat, discussing how crime is impacting businesses in the area.

The Commissioner was joined by Preston BID representatives including Mike Pixton, BID Operations Officer and Adrian Phillips Preston Chief Executive, where he discussed how business and retail crime will be a key priority in his Police and Crime Plan, which is currently open for public consultation.

Preston Geographic Insp. Dave Byrne highlighted some key areas in the area where enforcement and engagement has made a real difference in tackling anti-social behaviour and reaffirmed plans to continue this work through the summer and beyond.

Clive Grunshaw, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire, said:

“I want to ensure I’m delivering what the public want from policing, so it’s vital that I hear directly about what people are experiencing. Specifically, it’s been really useful to hear the issues businesses in Preston are facing, and how they’re working with police and partners to address them.

“Top concerns from retailers, shopworkers and customers, largely focus on anti-social behaviour, the unacceptable abuse of staff, and shoplifting. It’s clear that Op Centurion, Lancashire Constabulary’s response to tackling ASB, has had a positive impact and I want to strengthen this in hotspots and beyond to make sure those who blight communities know, offences will be punished.

“We also need a more proactive response to the national epidemic of shoplifting and improved relationships between retailers and the police has to be at the heart of this, so meetings like today really do make a difference.

“I’m fully backing Lancashire Constabulary’s Op Vulture, to deliver this improved response to retail crime, delivering a clear message to criminals that they will be caught and prosecuted, whether they’ve stolen £10 or £10K.

“As Commissioner, making Lancashire a safer place to live is my primary aim. This can only be achieved through having strong leadership, a strong police force, and strong deterrents.”