The operation took place on Wednesday, October 22, bringing together officers from different departments, the DVSA, Trading Standards, and Blackburn with Darwen Council.
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🚙 Vehicle and road safety checks
Under the motorway bridge in Darwen, officers worked with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to inspect vehicles for roadworthiness, tax, MOT, and insurance.
A total of four Prohibition Notices were issued for vehicle defects, and one driver was dealt with for an MOT issue.
Later in the day, officers joined Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Traffic Wardens to address parking and traffic-related offences along Blackburn Road following community concerns.
🛍️ Business engagement and crime prevention
Neighbourhood officers met with staff and service users at DARE Darwen and spoke to town centre businesses and traders.
They discussed support through Operation Hail and Operation Vulture — Lancashire Constabulary initiatives that help tackle business-related hate crime and theft.
Residents and business owners can expect to see a greater police presence in town over the coming weeks as preparations for the festive season begin.
🚦 Speed enforcement across Darwen and the Rurals
Following local reports of speeding, police carried out speed and driving enforcement in several areas, including Watery Lane, Blacksnape Road, Robin Bank, and Tockholes Road.
One driver received a ticket for running a red light, and several others were given advice for minor offences.
🎆 Firework and licensing checks
The Task Force joined Trading Standards for inspections of firework sales and checks for underage sales of tobacco and vapes.
All six premises visited were found to be operating within the law.
Licensing officers also visited town centre pubs and other licensed venues later in the day.
👮 Community engagement
Officers met residents in Chapeltown and Edgworth to discuss priorities and local issues.
They plan to return to the Barlow Institute, Edgworth, on November 26 and again in December for further sessions.
The team continues to host “Coffee with a Cop” drop-ins and community pop-ups across Darwen, including Zest Café Lounge, Darwen Market Hall, and Tesco on Falcon Avenue. Updated times and dates will be shared soon.
🐴 Mounted and dog patrols on the streets
The Mounted Division and dog patrols joined the day of action, focusing on antisocial behaviour hotspots and known offenders.
Four police horses patrolled Darwen Town Centre, Bold Venture, Tockholes, and Belmont, with plenty of friendly members of the public stopping by with treats for them.
🤝 Working with local councillors
Officers met with Councillor Brian Taylor in Sunnyhurst and Councillor Matt Jackson in Cranberry, visiting areas highlighted for speeding and antisocial behaviour. Residents were encouraged to share local concerns, which the team will continue to monitor and address.
👮 Ongoing partnership work
A spokesperson for the Neighbourhood Team said:
“Our days of action bring together a wide range of police departments and partners to deliver visible results for our towns and residents. We’ll continue to act on community priorities and thank everyone for their ongoing support.”
The team say more days of action are planned for the coming months.
