The Lancashire Violence Reduction Network (VRN) has funded an additional 6,354 hours of extra policing so far this year as part of ‘Operation GRIP’, which is helping to reduce serious violence in key areas across the county.
From January to June 2024, 21 hotspot areas – selected based on previous violent incidents – received extra foot patrols and intelligence-led police activity. GRIP officers have carried out 131 arrests and 415 searches in these areas, helping to make our communities safer. The focus is always on preventing violence before it happens by increasing police visibility and engaging with the public.
Chief Inspector Dave Oldfield, Operational Lead for the VRN said: “The results from the first six months of this year show the real impact of a visible, proactive police presence. Each arrest, search, and disruption visit plays a part in preventing more serious crimes. For example, in one case, GRIP officers on patrol were alerted by a local taxi driver who saw a man discard a rucksack. The officers located the rucksack, which contained 3 machetes, an axe, and a lock knife. This intervention clearly prevented what could have been a far more serious incident. It’s the kind of work that highlights the importance of the extra policing hours and their direct role in reducing violence.”
Thanks to this extra policing, serious violence is down in these areas. Between January and June, we saw:
- A 7% decrease in overall crime in hotspot areas
- A 20% drop in theft
- A 6% reduction in arson and criminal damage
- A 4% decrease in violence with injury
As operation GRIP continues into the second half of 2024, the VRN remains committed to reducing violence further. Hotspot locations are regularly reviewed and may change in response to emerging trends, ensuring resources are targeted where they are needed most.
