Operation Pavilion launched to combat anti-social behaviour in Preston

Mounted police officers pictured in Preston city centre during December Pic: Tony Worrall

A new operation has been started to tackle the issue of anti-social behaviour in Preston City Centre.

Operation Pavilion was launched in response to reports of an increase in burglaries, attempted break ins, damage to businesses and anti-social behaviour.

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Preston City Council’s Street Monitors also work in the afternoons and evening to engage with young people and respond to concerns for safety and anti-social behaviour. They will be linking in with other services, including the Police, the Council’s CCTV operation and youth service outreach teams working at locations in the city centre during the half-term week.

In addition, Preston Police has linked with Bid Preston to utilise its new high street audio messaging service, which will relay safety messages throughout the day.

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Chief Inspector Sue Bushell for Preston Police said: “Everyone should be able to visit Preston safely and enjoy their time here. We have been working hard behind the scenes with partners to address the recent problems and will be introducing short and long-term initiatives to help combat the issues.

“Incidents of this nature need a multi-agency approach and we will continue to work with all our partners to take action where we can.”

Councillor Robert Boswell, cabinet member for environment and community safety, said: “Preston city centre offers a great range of both independent and well-known businesses, providing residents and visitors with an opportunity to shop, eat, drink and socialise somewhere that suits them.

“Every visitor should feel safe while they are here. Any anti-social behaviour within our city and towards any business is completely unacceptable and we are proud to be supporting the important work led by Preston Police to address the situation.”

County Councillor Andrew Snowden on a bus — Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden

Andrew Snowden Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner said: “Anti-social behaviour in all its forms is regularly raised with me by residents from across Lancashire and this is why addressing it is the number one priority in my Police and Crime Plan. Working with partners is an important part of tackling it head on and addressing what can be extremely damaging behaviour.

“Neighbourhood policing needs to be at the heart of our communities, listening to concerns and taking action. Operation Pavilion does this and provides reassurance that officers are listening to concerns and will take action, through both engagement and also enforcement.

“I am committed to getting tough on anti-social behaviour and taking back our streets from those who make some people’s everyday lives a misery, whilst working with partners to prevent young people becoming involved in anti-social behaviour and other criminal activity within our neighbourhoods.”