Neighbourhood policing team conduction successful day of action in Bacup

Rossendale Police, alongside partner agencies, were out on Wednesday 23rd April where they conducted a successful day of action to address pressing community concerns. The operation had positive results, with a quantity of illegal tobacco as well as an e-scooter causing anti-social behaviour all being seized.

Officers carried out a joint parking operation with Lancashire Parking Services outside two local schools during pick-up and drop off times. This is following concerns raised by the local community through Lancashire Talking about the safety of children and illegal parking taking place. Parents and children were informed of the rules and legalities to ensure people are parking safely and legally when picking up and dropping off children.

The day of action included officers going out with Trading Standards to address concerns surrounding some businesses in the area, conducting inspections at several premises leading to the seizure of a quantity of illegal tobacco. Out of the three locations, two of the premises were found to have illicit tobacco hidden. They have both been issued with Community Protection Warnings (CPW).

Community engagement played a large part of the day. Neighbourhood officers were out on high visibility patrols around Bacup town centre following issues of on street drinking, which was a breach of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO). Officers were also out engaging with local businesses and raising awareness of those who have been granted a Criminal Behaviour Order for shoplifting.

Whilst on patrol officers located and seized an e-scooter that had been reported to be causing nuisance in the town centre carrying out anti-social behaviour over the past couple of weeks.

Local Neighbourhood Sergeant Paul Marsden said, “It’s great that we have been able to remove a quantity of illegal tobacco products from the streets of Bacup.

“We will continue to actively work with our partner agencies to tackle the issues and concerns of our communities and this day of action is just a small example of the kind of activity we do day-in-day-out.

“We would encourage the community to continue to report their concerns, so that the right agency can take action as those engaging in this illegal activity.”

“We would encourage you, if you haven’t done so already, to take our Lancashire Talking survey. You can also sign up to In the Know to keep updated with what’s going on in your area, visit https://www.stayintheknow.co.uk/.”

Op Centurion is a county-wide crackdown on anti-social behaviour, led by Lancashire Constabulary and backed by Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw, delivering his priority of getting tough on anti-social behaviour, with the support of our partners.