Blackburn has officially joined the national “Summer Blitz on Town Centre Crime”, a high-profile initiative launched by the Home Secretary and backed by Lancashire Police. Blackburn is one of over 500 towns across England and Wales working to make our streets safer, our businesses more secure, and our communities stronger.
What’s the Issue?
Across the country, street crime has more than doubled in two years, and shoplifting is up over 60%, with offenders increasingly using violence and abuse.
What’s Being Done in Blackburn?
The new campaign, part of Lancashire’s Safer Streets Summer, aims to deliver:
👮♂️ More visible police patrols, especially in crime hotspots and during busy times.
🚫 Tougher action against persistent offenders, including banning troublemakers from returning to problem areas.
🛍️ Better protection for shopworkers, with new laws promised to tackle abuse and assaults.
⚽ Support for young people, with summer activities designed to steer them away from trouble.
🤝 Partnership work with businesses and councils to stop crime before it happens.
Lancashire Police have said they are committed to listening to community concerns and taking clear action where it’s needed. In a recent post, officers promised high-visibility patrols, dedicated neighbourhood officers, and community action to tackle issues like antisocial behaviour, theft, and street crime.
What Leaders Are Saying
Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said:
“I’ve listened to residents, shopkeepers, and community leaders who’ve told me they want to see more visible policing, quicker responses to antisocial behaviour, and real action on retail and street crime. That’s exactly what this summer is all about.”
The effort is backed by the government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, which means every community, including Blackburn, will have named, contactable officers and dedicated anti-social behaviour leads focused on protecting local people.
A Promise of Safer Streets — But Success Needs Everyone
The campaign sends a clear message that crime and antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated. But its success depends on the whole community — police, councils, businesses, and residents — working together to report crime, support prevention efforts, and rebuild trust.
This is part of a wider mission to make town centres like Blackburn vibrant, welcoming places where people want to shop, work, and spend time — not places where crime and fear drive people away.
How Can You Help?
If you see something happening in your neighbourhood, report it. Whether it’s antisocial behaviour, theft, or concerns about safety, your voice matters.
👉 Visit LancashireTacklingASB.co.uk to find out how to report concerns or get support.
