A message from the Sergeant

Good afternoon, 

My name is Sergeant Tom Higgs, I am one of the Neighbourhood Policing Sergeants for Blackpool North. 

This message is just to introduce myself to those I've not met yet, and also to check in with those I have been able to meet through the various meetings and events we attend!

I have direct responsibility for the Local Policing teams covering Park, Layton, Greenlands, Ingthorpe, Bispham, Anchorsholme and Norbreck ward areas and I have been in this role since early 2022. I work alongside the dedicated PC's and PCSO's that are there to help keep your community a safe place to live. 

The local team are here for you. We're here to listen, support and tackle the issues that most matter to you. I just wanted to remind you that you can use the In The Know portal and to find out about what we're doing in your area, but also, to feedback to us and help us plan our patrols and focus our efforts on the things that the community need us to focus on. Of course when it's an emergency, or a police officer needs to attend to a specific incident, always call 999 (emergency) or 101 (non-emergency). 

Hopefully, you will have seen an increase in our messaging, patrols and community focused policing in your area recently. There is a real focus nationally - and we're glad to say, here in Blackpool - for Local Policing to return to our streets. Putting Bobbies back on the Beat, integrating and working together with the community to tackle to problems that are relevant to you. 

Let me share some of the work we've been up to in the last few weeks. 

E-Bikes/E-Scooters - This is something the community are telling us loud and clear is a big problem. We know you're concerned about your safety, the safety of children, and the dangers some riders are causing on the roads to other vehicles and pedestrians. The law at the present time is clear - E-Bikes that are made/modified to go above 15.5mph (250watts), or operate without pedal assistance, are illegal. Police have powers to seize and crush these vehicles.

Our most recent operation saw 56 vehicles seized in one day and we've got similar events lined up for the near future. From a Policing side of things, our priority is to make sure these vehicles are stopped safely, using approved training and tactics and with minimal risk to the public or officers. The best possible way to do this is to target the vehicles at their home address - if you know where these illegal vehicles are being stored or operating from - let us know and we'll take action. 

Drug Related Issues - We're proactively targeting and disrupting Organised Crime Groups operating in our ward areas. We have successfully executed a number of warrants in the recent months - taking drugs, weapons and cash away from criminals. We are regularly visiting problem addresses and using powers of search and other powers such as Closure Orders and civil orders against our highest risk offenders. 

Parking/Speeding Issues - If you are having problems with regular speeding on certain roads at certain times, please submit via the Lancashire Road Safety Partnership portal Speed Concern – Lancashire Road Safety Partnership . This will again allow us to be in the right places at the right times and maximise our chances of changing behaviours on the road. Education and deterrent is important, but where necessary we'll look to enforce where offences are being committed. 

Your Local Policing Team are proud of our partnership work with the community and other agencies working in Blackpool North ward areas - please continue to keep in touch - help us to shape our patrols and taskings so we can best serve you. 

Remember, you can visit our website Home | Lancashire Constabulary where you can find out about local meetings and events that Police are attending in your area - we'd love to see you at a Police And Communities Together (PACT) meeting soon, or if you see us out and about, please come and say hello and let us know about and issues where you live. 

Warm regards, 

Sgt 249 Tom HIGGS