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Police claim reduction in crime in Preston and South Ribble hotspot areas

Posted on - 26th January, 2023 - 3:03pm | Author - | Posted in - Crime, Lancashire Police, Parks, Preston News, Proud Preston, South Ribble News
A knife sweep taking place in Avenham and Miller Parks Pic: Preston Police

Led by the Lancashire Violence Reduction Network (VRN), Operation Grip delivers a combination of knife crime education, community engagement and enforcement activity to reduce and prevent knife and violent crime across Lancashire. 

Working alongside local neighbourhood policing teams, the VRN identified 20 hotspot areas across Lancashire based on recorded homicide, rape and violence with injury that became the focus for increased policing activity on a randomised patrol schedule.

Six hotspots were identified for South division which covers the areas of Preston, Chorley, South Ribble and West Lancashire.

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Between October and December 2022, there was an average of nine per cent reduction in crime and an average of 34 per cent decrease in serious violence within these hotspots. This is compared to the same time period in the previous year (October to December 2021).

Operational activity includes high visibility foot patrols at these key hotspots, engaging with members of the public and gathering intelligence.

A PCSO on a knife sweep in Avenham and Miller Parks Pic: Preston Police

The primary objective of the operation is to provide a target hardening approach with the visible presence of uniformed officers.

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Officers also support local and force initiatives by conducting intelligence led disruption visits, warrants, vehicle stops and stop searches.

Sergeant Nick Miller said: “At Lancashire Violence Reduction Network, our vision is for every person living or working in Lancashire to feel safe from violence and violent crime. 

“We will continue to work closely with our partners to make sure victims are fully supported and to help prevent crime within our communities.

“Prevention and early intervention are at the core of what we do, and these results demonstrate our commitment to keeping our communities safe”

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