Commissioner Clive Grunshaw - May 2026

Welcome to the May edition of my stakeholder newsletter, bringing you the latest updates on crime and policing across Lancashire.

This month has been an important one, as I marked two years in post by reflecting on the progress made against my Police and Crime Plan priorities. While there is still more to do, it is clear that through strong partnership working, targeted investment, and a resolute focus on prevention, we are making real strides in tackling crime and making our communities safer.

You can watch a video highlighting some of the work that's been delivered in the last two years by clicking here. 

May has also seen a continued national focus on serious violence, with the Sceptre Week of Action highlighting the collective efforts being made across the country to tackle knife crime. Here in Lancashire, we are playing a full role in that effort, supporting enforcement activity alongside vital prevention work.

Across the month, I have continued to push for stronger national legislation to protect victims, invested in new initiatives funded through money seized from criminals, and brought together partners to strengthen evidence-led policing. These actions reflect our ongoing commitment to delivering safer communities and improved outcomes for residents across Lancashire.

Clive Grunshaw

Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner 

Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls

Campaigning for stronger laws on domestic abuse-related deaths

This month I took my campaigning on domestic abuse-related deaths directly to Westminster, continuing my call for changes to the law to better recognise the devastating impact of coercive and controlling behaviour.

Too often, the link between domestic abuse and suicide is overlooked, meaning victims and their families do not receive the justice they deserve. By working with national partners and continuing to raise awareness of this issue, we are pushing for meaningful reform that ensures perpetrators are held fully accountable.

This work builds on the significant action already underway in Lancashire to strengthen support for victims and improve how these complex cases are identified and investigated. Ensuring the system fully reflects the seriousness of abuse-linked deaths remains a key priority within my Police and Crime Plan.

New law to crack down on sex-based harassment

I have welcomed the introduction of a new sex-based harassment offence, which gives police stronger powers to act decisively on intentional harassment directed at someone because of their sex. This includes incidents where perpetrators target women and girls in public spaces including streets, parks, public transport, taxis and shops. Here in Lancashire, my #GetTheMessage campaign is already leading the way in calling out this type of harassment and encouraging men and boys to reflect on how their behaviours affect women and girls across the county.

Get The Message Campaign

Our Get The Message campaign continues to gain traction and garner community support. On Bank Holiday Monday I joined more than 70 women in Preston for a powerful #GetTheMessage walk, sending a clear stand against violence towards women and girls. The event, held in Avenham and Miller Parks, brought together local walking and running groups in support of our campaign to challenge harassment and improve safety in public spaces. Organised by community groups including Girls Who Walk Preston and Chorley, the walk highlighted the everyday experiences of women who often feel unsafe and encouraged collective action to tackle these issues. More than just a walk, the event demonstrated the strength of community solidarity and the shared commitment to creating safer, more respectful environments across Lancashire. You can find out more about the campaign on GetTheMessage.uk, with partner packs available to show your support.

NightSafe 

I'm pleased to say that a new police initiative targeting crime in Lancashire’s night-time economy is already showing positive results, with a 4% drop in offences between 6pm and 6am since its launch last month. The NightSafe campaign combines high-visibility patrols, door staff checks, licensing enforcement, and safety schemes such as Ask for Angela and Street Angels to create safer environments. Introduced alongside Project Vigilant, which focuses on preventing violence against women and girls, the initiative has led to a 20% reduction in sexual offences, a 19% drop in theft, and a 1% fall in violent crime. While increases in drugs and public order offences have been recorded, this reflects more proactive policing and targeted interventions which I fully support.

Supporting women and girls to feel safer in Preston

This month I visited the “Safe To Soar” project in Preston, supporting women and girls to feel safer and more confident in their communities.

Funded through my Community Safety Partnership Fund, the programme delivers practical safety training, self-defence, and trauma-informed support for those most at risk.

By reinvesting money taken from criminals, we are backing targeted, preventative work that helps reduce harm before it happens. It was clear from my visit that this work is making a real difference locally, helping people feel safer and helping deliver safer communities locally. 

Community hub in Rawtenstall supporting women and vulnerable people

This month I visited La Latte Lounge in Rossendale to see how funding seized from criminals is being used to support women and vulnerable people, alongside Andy MacNae MP.

Backed through my Community Fund, the project in Rawtenstall has created a safe, welcoming hub offering early support, wellbeing sessions, and clear pathways into specialist services, and it's clear to see the passion behind the work they are doing 

Providing trusted, accessible spaces like this is key to helping people seek support early, preventing issues from escalating and strengthening our communities.

Domestic Abuse Grab Bags

We know it can take numerous attempts for a victim domestic abuse to leave their abuser, and when someone takes the brave steps to flee help should be available. That's why I have funded a new 'Grab Bags' pilot scheme run by University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT). This is the first NHS Trust in Lancashire to support patients fleeing domestic abuse, sexual violence and other forms of harm. 

Grab Bags provide vital support to victims, offering essentials like clothing, phones and toiletries when they flee abuse, often with no belongings. They help restore dignity, comfort and immediate safety in crisis situations.

Tackle Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour 

Welcoming the landmark Crime and Policing Act

I have welcomed the Government’s new Crime and Policing Act, which represents a significant step forward in strengthening the tools available to police forces across the country.

The measures outlined will support stronger enforcement against persistent offenders, help tackle anti-social behaviour, and enhance the police’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to emerging threats.

Ensuring officers have the powers they need to keep communities safe is essential, and I will continue to work closely with partners to make sure these changes deliver tangible benefits here in Lancashire.

Opening a new Community Fund using seized criminal cash

This month I launched a new round of funding through my Community Fund, reinvesting money seized from criminals back into projects that make Lancashire safer.

This funding will support local organisations delivering prevention work, diversionary activities, and targeted interventions designed to address the root causes of crime and anti-social behaviour.

Using funds taken from criminals to create positive change in our communities is a powerful example of how we can turn the proceeds of crime into lasting benefits for residents.

Working with partners to ‘kick out’ ketamine

Ketamine misuse continues to pose a growing challenge both locally and nationally, and tackling it requires a coordinated response.

This month I joined with Lancashire Police, Crimestoppers, and the family of a young victim to raise awareness of the harm caused by ketamine use and to encourage people to come forward with information.

By combining enforcement activity with education and community engagement, we can better protect young people, disrupt supply networks, and reduce the harm caused by this dangerous drug.

Fire engine emblazoned with don’t drink or drug drive messaging

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and Lancashire Constabulary have teamed up to get anti drink and drug drive messaging to the people of Preston and surrounding areas. A new fire engine at Preston Fire Station has been emblazoned with Op Limit messaging to highlight the potentially fatal consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and how to report offenders to help keep people safe on our roads.

Get Tough on Serious Violent Crime

Lancashire VRN 

This month I chaired the inaugural Lancashire Violence Reduction Network Partnership Board, bringing together key partners from across policing, health, local authorities, education and the wider justice system to drive forward our collective response to serious violence.

The discussion focused on strengthening the VRN’s branding and identity, planning ahead for the 2026/27 Serious Violence Reduction Grant, and reviewing the latest Strategic Needs Assessment to ensure our work remains evidence-led and targeted where it is needed most. We also discussed progress on Lancashire’s Serious Violence Strategy, with a roundtable event planned for June and a launch and conference for September. By working together in this way, we are better able to understand the root causes of violence, challenge issues constructively and deliver meaningful, long-term solutions that keep our communities safe.

Backing the national push to halve knife crime

Ahead of the Sceptre Week of Action, which took place towards the end of the month, I reaffirmed my support for national efforts to halve knife crime and reduce serious violence.

In Lancashire, this work is underpinned by strong partnership activity through my Violence Reduction Network, which continues to deliver targeted interventions, early support, and evidence-based programmes aimed at preventing young people from becoming involved in violence.

While enforcement remains crucial, it is clear that prevention and early intervention must sit at the heart of our approach if we are to achieve lasting change.

Investing in knife-saver training to prevent fatalities

Prevention is at the heart of our response to serious violence. This month I invested in the expansion of knife-saver training, equipping more people with the skills needed to respond in critical situations.

These life-saving techniques can make all the difference in the moments following a serious injury, helping to prevent fatalities while emergency services are on their way.

By ensuring communities are better prepared and more resilient, we are taking practical steps to reduce the impact of violent crime.

Kim's Story 

As part of Sceptre Week, my Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Kimberley Whitehead bravely spoke out about the devastating impacts of knife crime more than 20 years after the tragic death of her brother. 

Knife crime is corrosive, and entirely preventable. I truly commend Kim for speaking out about her personal experience of knife crime, which has fuelled her desire to make positive change throughout her life and in her role as Deputy Commissioner. 

Morecambe Champions Event

Last week I opened a Champions event in Morecambe, which brought together local young people with police, NHS professionals and a spoken-word artist to encourage open conversations around violence and its impact. No one should have to live in fear of dangerous weapons in their community.

Education about the risks and realities of carrying a knife, combined with strong enforcement against those who break the law and endanger others, is essential.

Rebuild Public Trust and Confidence

Strengthening evidence-based policing through academic partnerships

This month I hosted an academic network event, bringing together researchers, policing professionals, and partners to strengthen the use of evidence-based approaches across Lancashire.

By working more closely with academic institutions, we can better understand what works in policing, improve decision-making, and ensure that our strategies are grounded in robust evidence.

Building trust and confidence in policing is not only about visibility and engagement—it is also about demonstrating that our actions are effective, informed, and delivering real outcomes for communities.

Crimestoppers 

There has been more evidence of a significant rise in reports to Crimestoppers, highlighting an increased confidence to report anonymously and helping us address the key local concerns affecting people. 

There has been a 25.62% increase in reports across a twelve month period, with Lancashire having more than 10,000 reports across a year for the first time ever. 

For its population, Lancashire is also in the top five forces for Crimestoppers reports in the country. 

It's the vital community intelligence, through Crimestoppers and other reports directly to the Constabulary, that allows Officers to act on what is happening in our communities and keep Lancashire safe. 

Police Museum 100,000th Visitor

I am delighted to see Lancashire Police Museum celebrating its fourth anniversary and welcoming its 100,000th visitor - an incredible milestone that reflects the dedication of Sabine and her team of volunteers. Based within the historic setting of Lancaster Castle, the museum offers a unique and engaging way for residents and visitors to explore the rich history of policing in Lancashire, while also learning about the realities and challenges of modern-day policing. Its interactive exhibits, education programmes, and community events make it a valuable resource for people of all ages, helping to strengthen the connection between the police and the communities they serve. I would encourage anyone who hasn’t yet visited to take the opportunity to experience this impressive and inspiring facility for themselves. For more information visit: Lancashire police museum education services

Victim Care Lancashire marks one year of supporting victims of crime

Victim Care Lancashire, funded by my Office, has marked a significant milestone after the service celebrated its first anniversary since its launch in April 2025, having supported more than 1,300 victims of crime across the county. Over the past twelve months, the team, which is based at Chorley Police Station, has provided vital care, reassurance, and practical support at a time when people needed it most.