[Image: Cllr Miles Parkinson OBE Leader of Hyndburn Council, Cllr Jenny Molineux, Chair, Andrew Snowden, Lancshire PCC, Rick Ogden, Local Police Inspector]

Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Andrew Snowden, accepted an invitation to attend the Council’s Communities and Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Committee earlier this week.  The Commissioner presented the new Police and Crime Plan 2021 – 2025.

The plan is required by law and outlines the needs and priorities of the people of Lancashire in relation to policing, crime and criminal justice.

Councillor Jenny Molineux, Chair, said;

“The Committee is grateful that the Commissioner gave up so much time to listening to the concern of committee members and responding to a range of questions.  It gave us the opportunity to explore how the new Plan will impact us here in Hyndburn.  It was good to hear that there will be additional police officers dedicated to the Borough and we hope this will mean more visible policing.

“We do not underestimate the challenges faced by the police and will continue to support these, via our Community Safety Partnership, so that Hyndburn residents and businesses can feel safe.”

The top priority is anti-social behaviour, with £1.2m announced for a new problem orientated policing command and taskforce.  Other priorities include disrupting and dismantling organised crime, cracking down on burglary and robbery and targeting dangerous drivers.  A dedicated rape and sexual assault unit will be created to target offenders and to ensure better outcomes for victims.

To support these priorities a Safer Lancashire Neighbourhoods Scheme has also been announced to invest up to £5m into initiatives that tackle crime hotspots. Lancashire will see increased asset seizures and high-profile operations to take the fight to criminals.  The Commissioner outlined plans for creating dedicated neighbourhood and response teams for every area.

The committee members questioned the Commissioner on matters such as road safety, public engagement and tackling drug dealing, as well as working with schools. Local Police Inspector Rick Ogden attended alongside the Commissioner to deal with any operational policing questions.