Tackling Crime through Collaboration in Accrington
Tackling Crime through Collaboration in Accrington
Council, Police, Charities and Businesses join forces to help Accrington be a safer place to shop.
The Deputy Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, Cllr Kimberley Whitehead, has joined local Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and community partners in a renewed campaign to improve safety and tackle crime in Accrington town centre.
Image: Cllr Kim Whitehead, Eddie O’Brien, PCSO Rosie and Bev Wood
As part of a targeted initiative to reduce shoplifting and anti-social behaviour regular walkabouts with local PCSOs has started, including visits town centre businesses to listen to their concerns and shape practical, community-led solutions that can be delivered quickly.
A key outcome of this collaboration is the launch of a revitalised Shopwatch scheme, coordinated by Lancashire Police, which helps local retailers work together and share real-time intelligence with each other and with the police.
This joined-up approach is already making an impact, and it’s not just police and council officers playing a role.
Bev Wood from Accrington Street Angels, a well-respected volunteer organisation that provides nighttime safety patrols in the town centre, joined the latest walkabout to explore how community groups can play a stronger role in supporting businesses.
The Street Angels team regularly helps vulnerable individuals and works closely with local services to create a safer town centre environment, particularly during evenings and weekends.
Local business owner Eddie O’Brien, who runs IMEP in Accrington, is also doing his bit. He has been supporting police investigations by providing access to CCTV footage and is urging other businesses to do the same.
“Working together makes all the difference,” Eddie said. “If we all take small steps to help, we can make the town safer for everyone.”
Cllr Clare Pritchard, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, said:
“This initiative shows the power of collaboration, when the council, police, community groups and businesses all pull in the same direction, we can make a real difference. I want to thank everyone who’s getting involved and sharing their insights. The feedback from local traders is helping to shape practical solutions that work for our town.
Cllr Kimberley Whitehead, Deputy Leader, attended the most recent shop walk:
“Today it’s been clear one thing we can help with quickly is improving CCTV, we have now thoroughly mapped what already exists, and are working together to identify how to improve this to better support shopkeepers.”
Businesses interested in being part of this collaboration, to share their insights and ideas, are encouraged to contact the council directly via: enquiries@hyndburnbc.gov.uk
Together, these efforts mark a renewed commitment to making Accrington town centre a safe, welcoming and thriving place for businesses, shoppers and residents alike.