Partnership working strengthens response to business crime at Lancashire conference

Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw has highlighted the importance of partnership working in tackling business crime, and the role thriving businesses play in creating safer, stronger communities, following a major conference bringing together policing, industry and community leaders.

The Business Crime Conference, hosted by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Lancashire Constabulary, the Lancashire Partnership Against Crime (LANPAC) and Retailers Against Crime, took place at Ribby Hall Village on 23 June and welcomed more than 180 delegates from across the county and beyond.

The event brought together leading voices, frontline expertise and innovative approaches to addressing the challenges facing businesses, with a strong focus on collaboration to improve safety and resilience across Lancashire.

Delegates heard from a range of expert speakers and keynote contributors, including Chief Constable Sacha Hatchett, and others who shared strategic insight into tackling crime and supporting safer business environments.

The conference featured a packed agenda exploring both emerging and established threats affecting businesses, including retail crime, organised offending and wider national trends. Sessions also included a powerful lived-experience account, alongside contributions from partners working to shape the future of business safety.

Attendees also received updates on ongoing activity in Lancashire, including Operation Vulture, Lancashire Constabulary’s targeted response to retail crime, which focuses on hotspot patrols, stronger intelligence sharing with businesses and identifying prolific offenders.

Exhibitors showcased a range of innovative technologies and practical tools designed to help businesses prevent crime, protect assets and build resilience, giving delegates the opportunity to share best practice and strengthen partnerships across sectors.

Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner said:
“Businesses play a vital role in our communities, and it is essential that we protect staff, customers and the wider public from the impact of crime and anti-social behaviour. No one should feel unsafe at work or when visiting our town centres, and we will continue to support robust action against those who target businesses and their employees.

“Creating a safe and secure environment for businesses to operate is key to enabling them to thrive. When businesses thrive, Lancashire thrives — supporting local jobs, strengthening communities and helping to reduce the root causes of crime.

“This conference is a strong example of what can be achieved when partners come together to share expertise, build relationships and take a joined-up approach to tackling crime. I will continue to work closely with Lancashire Constabulary and partners to ensure we are delivering a coordinated and effective response to business crime across the county.”

David Smith OBE, Chairman of LANPAC said: “This conference clearly demonstrated the strength of partnership working across Lancashire. By bringing together policing, businesses and community partners, we are able to share intelligence, identify emerging threats and develop practical solutions to tackle business crime.

Inspector Oliver Tattersley from Lancashire Constabulary added: “We’re fortunate to have a strong, mixed economy in our county with everything from small independent retailers and businesses employing  just a handful of staff, to traditional manufacturing industries and modern logistics companies employing several thousand people. In order for these organisations to continue to thrive, it’s vital that we work with them to keep them and their employees safe.

“It was fabulous to see so many local businesses attending the conference, listening to the great range of speakers and taking advantage of the free crime prevention information and advice.

“It was also great to talk to them about the successful initiatives we have in place to prevent business crimes including shoplifting, theft and damage like Op Vulture, Nice2Share and Op Centurion.”

Ilyas Munshi, Corporate Development & Communications Director, EG On The Move said "The Lancashire Business Crime Conference provides an excellent opportunity for businesses like EG On The Move, law enforcement agencies, local authorities, and community partners to come together to address the challenges posed by business crime.

“Business crime has a significant impact not only on companies but also on local communities and public confidence. Events such as this conference are essential for sharing best practice, strengthening partnerships, and exploring innovative approaches to prevention, detection, and enforcement."