Commissioner Clive Grunshaw - August 2026

Welcome to the August edition of my stakeholder newsletter, where I bring you the latest updates on crime and policing across Lancashire.

Preventing Violence Against Women and Girls remains a key priority for my Office and continues to shape much of our work. From the ongoing campaign for Kiena's Law to our work with local partners through the #GetTheMessage campaign to challenge misogyny and harmful attitudes, we are committed to driving meaningful change and making Lancashire safer for women and girls.

During the summer recess, I have also taken the opportunity to meet with Lancashire's MPs to discuss the issues that matter most to residents across the county and explore how we can work together to address them.

We know that anti-social behaviour can increase during the summer months, affecting communities and people's sense of safety. That is why Lancashire Police have continued to take robust action through Op Centurion, targeting offenders, responding to local concerns and working with partners to prevent anti-social behaviour and keep our communities safe.

Clive Grunshaw

Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner 

 

Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls

#KienasLaw

Our petition calling for Kiena's Law has now reached over 43,000 signatures. Current law does not clearly and consistently recognise where prolonged domestic abuse is a significant contributing factor in suicide. As a result, perpetrators are not always held accountable, and families are left without justice.

That's why we are calling for #KienasLaw, a specific criminal offence of domestic abuse-related suicide, and to include coercive and controlling behaviour within the “dangerous offender” framework, allowing courts to impose extended sentences.

I'd like to thank everyone who has already signed our petition, and urge everyone to share it more widely among their families, friends, and colleagues to create meaningful change. 

Following the success of our Blue Shoes exhibition, we are now offering you the opportunity to host the exhibit in your area. If this is something you wish to do, or would like more details, please contact comms@lancashire-pcc.gov.uk. 

#GetTheMessage

Our #GetTheMessage campaign has continued to go from strength to strength. Aimed at men and boys, it highlights the impact of low-level harassment on women and girls. 

As part of this campaign, Morecambe Police and local running group Track Nights hosted a free track running event at Salt Ayre Leisure Centre earlier this month. Over 100 people attended on one of the hottest days of the year to show their support for the campaign and stand together in support of women's safety. 

Last year over 90% of women surveyed in our county told us that they changed their daily behaviour just to feel safe. That is something we cannot ignore. Events such as this show a real appetite for change, women and girls across Lancashire deserve to feel safe and that is what I will continue to strive for.

Stalking 

Stalking is a high-impact crime that deeply affects victims by disrupting their daily lives and creating an environment that makes people feel unsafe and fearful, often over prolonged periods of time.

Earlier this month, I spoke with Sharon Hartley on BBC Radio Lancashire about the impact on victims and the need to tackle stalking across Lancashire. If you are affected by this issue, please do not hesitate to contact Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service for support. Funded by my Office, Paladin provides dedicated support for anyone in Lancashire who has been affected by stalking to ensure that they can access the right help and support for their needs.

Non-Consensual Intimate Image Abuse Research

Private intimate images are being shared, stolen and distributed without consent, often leaving victims with devastating emotional, psychological and social impacts. Working alongside Lancashire Police and experts from Lancaster University, we're seeking to better understand the impact of non-consensual intimate image abuse (NCII), sometimes known as image-based abuse.

This research is helping to shape a specialist support service for victims across Lancashire.

Whether you have lived experience or not, we want to hear from you. Your views will help us understand awareness, attitudes to reporting and the support victims need.

Please take a few minutes to complete our anonymous survey and share your views. 

Tackle Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour

Ketamine Re-Classification

Ketamine misuse has become an increasing concern across the county. As a highly dangerous substance, it can cause significant harm to individuals, families and communities, particularly among young people. 

That is why I wrote to Policing Minister Sarah Jones MP setting out my concerns about the growing prevalence of ketamine misuse and the devastating impact it is having on communities. 

I was pleased to receive a response from the minister, which acknowledged the serious harms associated with the drug, and recognised the important work we are undertaking here in Lancashire through Op Shore, the county's coordinated response to the supply and misuse of ketamine. 

I will continue to champion Op Shore, which sees policing, health, local government and wider partners working together to reduce ketamine misuse through prevention, intervention and enforcement activities, while helping those impacted access the right support and treatment services.

Pol-Ed

Following my investment in January 2025, I am pleased to see the Pol-Ed programme has now reached almost a quarter of a million young people across Lancashire. Delivered by policing professionals, the scheme helps raise awareness of key issues including personal safety, crime prevention, and safeguarding.

With 85% of local schools now using the programme, it is particularly encouraging to see it adapting to tackle emerging issues such as water safety during the summer months.

Op Centurion 

The illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters remains one of the issues most frequently raised with my Office by residents across Lancashire. As part of Lancashire Police's ongoing crackdown on anti-social behaviour through Op Centurion, officers have been proactively targeting the illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters across the county.

Alongside enforcement activity, we're raising awareness of the risks these vehicles can pose and encouraging people to think twice before buying one this summer.

To report issues or find out more, head to LancashireTacklingASB.co.uk.

MP Patrols

Throughout summer recess, I have been joining MPs across Lancashire on visits in their constituency. I have had the pleasure of joining West Lancashire MP Ashley Dalton, Southport MP Patrick Hurley, Lancaster MP Cat Smith, and Pendle and Clitheroe MP Jonathan Hinder. 

What really stands out from joining MPs with local officers is how well neighbourhood teams know and understand their communities. They understand the issues, actively engage and want to make towns safer for all. That is exactly what neighbourhood policing is all about. 

Morecambe Funding Visit

I recently joined Lizzi Collinge MP in Morecambe town centre to see first-hand how investment from my Community Fund is helping to tackle anti-social behaviour and improve community safety.

Through the MP Strand of the fund, Morecambe BID has received £23,910 to support a dedicated warden presence in the area, providing visible reassurance, supporting police activity and helping to boost public confidence.

It was encouraging to hear directly from wardens and local businesses about the positive difference the project is already making. This is exactly the type of initiative the Community Fund was created to support. By investing in partnership-led projects that respond to local needs, we can make our communities safer, more resilient places where people feel secure and supported.

Get Tough on Serious Violent Crime 

Serious Violence Conference

Planning is well underway for my Serious Violence Conference on 16th September. Plans for the day include the launch of my Serious Violence Strategy, a series of expert guest speakers and an exhibition area for partners to showcase some of their innovative work.

There are a few spots remaining, if you wish to book on for the day, you can register via Eventbrite here: Lancashire Serious Violence Conference Tickets, Wednesday, September 16  •  9 AM - 3:30 PM | Eventbrite

NWAS Bleed Kit Training

My Deputy PCC Kimberley Whitehead recently attended an event in Accrington held by my Violence Reduction Network (VRN) in partnership with the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) to deliver bleed kit training to bar owners and staff. 

Everything my VRN does is driven by the belief that knife crime is preventable. But when incidents do occur, training like this can make a real difference, ensuring that more people have the skills, knowledge and confidence to step in and potentially save a life before emergency services arrive.

Rebuild Public Trust and Confidence

Have your say on crime and policing where you live

I am supporting the National Public Confidence in Policing Survey which launched on Monday. This is a major research study exploring people’s views and experiences of crime, anti-social behaviour and policing across the UK.

The survey is being delivered through In the Know, on behalf of the College of Policing and the National Police Chiefs’ Council, who are working with researchers from the London School of Economics and University College London.

The research aims to improve understanding of what shapes public confidence in policing, how confidence changes over time, and what impact neighbourhood policing has on local communities.

We want to hear from people with a wide range of experiences and opinions, whether positive, negative, or somewhere in between.

You do not need to have had contact with the police to take part. Every response helps build a better understanding of what matters most to local communities. The findings will be used to: 

Please sign up to In the Know and take the survey, which should take no longer than 10 minutes. 

Police Recruitment

It's always a privilege to see new officers being sworn into the ranks of Lancashire Constabulary. A ceremony on 4th August saw 35 new Police Constables embark on their careers in policing. This is the ninth intake for the Police Constable Entry Programme with new officers making promises to uphold police values and principles.

The public rightly expect to see more officers out on our streets: visible, engaged and making a real difference by tackling the issues that matter most to people in their local area.

That’s exactly what my Police and Crime Plan, together w

ith the Government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, is delivering.

Public Contact 

The performance of Lancashire Police, including how quickly 101 and 999 calls are answered, is something I monitor closely and routinely challenge through my quarterly Accountability Board meetings to ensure the public receives the service they expect and deserve.

However, we all have a role to play in helping the police provide the best possible service. Lancashire Police recently highlighted that in June alone, their Force Control Room had an additional 3,000 999 calls above what was expected. 

That's why it is so important we ensure our emergency lines remain just that, for emergencies. Whilst I will continue to strive for improved responses in call times, please take the time to familiarise yourself with ways you can keep in touch with your local police including Lancashire Talking and Online Reporting.