ACCRINGTON – Lancashire Constabulary has successfully carried out a day of high-impact police action in Accrington as part of Operation Rally, a coordinated initiative aimed at tackling crime and anti-social behaviour in response to concerns raised by local residents and businesses.
Taking place on Friday, May 23, the day of action saw Hyndburn Police concentrate efforts in and around Accrington town centre, with support from the Mounted Branch, high-visibility patrols, and a mobile police station stationed at Tesco on Eagle Street.
Supporting the Community Through Lancashire Talking
The event was prompted by feedback through Lancashire Talking, the police’s public engagement tool that allows residents to highlight the issues that matter most to them. In this case, that included shoplifting, road safety, knife crime, and anti-social behaviour.
A total of 28 local businesses were visited and provided with Operation Vulture packs, which include practical tools for reporting shoplifting and collecting evidence. Businesses were also encouraged to register for Nice2Share, a new digital platform designed to improve collaboration between retailers and police.
Knife Crime Awareness and Public Engagement
In alignment with the national Sceptre week of action, which focuses on reducing knife crime, officers installed a knife arch at Accrington Bus Station. Around 300 members of the public passed through the arch, taking part in an educational outreach opportunity to highlight the dangers of carrying knives and promote personal safety.
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many residents welcoming the proactive steps being taken to make their town safer.
Visible Policing and Arrest Made
Throughout the day, high-visibility patrols offered reassurance to the public, while the mobile police station provided crime prevention advice, safeguarding guidance, and helped residents sign up for Lancashire Talking and In the Know, the county’s community safety newsletter.
Later in the evening, officers returned to Tesco on Eagle Street to host a “Meet Your Local Officers” event, creating another opportunity for community engagement and deterrence of evening anti-social behaviour.
Traffic enforcement formed another key part of the operation. Eighteen vehicles were stopped for checks, and one taxi was removed from the road for failing to meet legal standards. Officers also made a significant arrest — a 22-year-old man from Accrington was taken into custody on suspicion of making threats to kill and threats to commit criminal damage.
Building Safer Neighbourhoods
Inspector Mohammed Lorgat, from the Hyndburn Neighbourhood Policing Team, said:
“Our team are committed to addressing the concerns raised by our communities. Days like this are a key part of our wider neighbourhood policing approach — working visibly and directly with the public to build trust and solve problems together.
We urge residents to continue sharing their views with us through Lancashire Talking, so we can keep targeting the issues that matter most in your area.”
Stay Informed and Get Involved
Residents are encouraged to get involved and help shape local policing priorities by filling out the Lancashire Talking survey and subscribing to In the Know, an online newsletter that provides updates on police activity and community safety.
Visit www.stayintheknow.co.uk to take part.