Police set for summer blitz on shoplifters and thugs

SHOPPERS and businesses will see increased police patrols and 'targeted action' in town centre crime this summer, as the Home Secretary launches a major blitz to deliver safer high streets.

- BY JON MACPHERSON

The blitz will see officers in 15 town centres across the Lancashire including Accrington during peak times over the coming weeks.

They are among more than 500 across the country signed up to the Home Secretary's Safer Streets summer crackdown.

The selected towns will see increased police patrols and local action to tackle antisocial behaviour. Increased police presence will be accompanied by stronger prevention and enforcement action by police, councils and other local partners.

Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, has, with other Commissioners, drawn up targeted plans with councils, police and businesses to support thriving town centres where people feel safe to live, work and visit.

The plans include more officers on foot in high streets, tougher enforcement against repeat offenders, and stronger powers to tackle antisocial behaviour.