Nationally reports were up by 5.1% and locally this figure has increased by 9.7% in Lancashire, with 8,695 referrals and reports – a clear indication that the public’s confidence in reporting crimes anonymously is on the rise.
Operation Warrior is one of the ways the Constabulary is delivering the Commissioner’s Fighting Crime Plan aim to disrupt and dismantle criminal gangs. With the help of this public intelligence and the resources from the Commissioner Lancashire Police are now arresting 17 crime gang suspects every single week.
Andrew Snowden, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire said:
“It’s really positive that more and more people are responding to our call for information as part of Operation Warrior.
“The increase in referrals and reports shows that our communities have confidence in the ability of our police to tackle crime and get results.
“It’s so important for people to know that if they don’t feel comfortable coming forward in other ways, they can still give vital intelligence that can help as we take the fight to criminals.
“Through campaigns like Operation Warrior we are telling the public, tell us what you know, whether through Crimestoppers or directly to Lancashire Constabulary, and we will act on the intelligence we receive. Whilst some of the investigation work goes unseen, we will continue to see more doors being put through, more arrests, and more proceeds of crime being taken from offenders and invested back into the community.”
Gary Murray, North West Regional Manager at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “ Community Information given to the independent charity Crimestoppers is vital in solving crimes and keeping communities safer.”
“ I would like to thank the public in Lancashire for their trust in our anonymous reporting service and for this increase in reports.”
“This has led to a significant number of arrests, young people safeguarded, drugs seized, and weapons taken off our streets.”
“I encourage anyone who has information about those orchestrating or carrying out crime in Lancashire to contact our charity anonymously, either online or by phone.”
Assistant Chief Constable Samuel Mackenzie, of Lancashire Police, said: “The information provided to Crimestoppers is vital and can often be crucial in helping police to solve crimes.
“Acting independently of police, the charity takes referrals and reports, providing key intelligence which we can act on.
“We welcome this increase in reporting to Crimestoppers which is a clear indication Lancashire residents want to come forward anonymously, confident we will act.
“Operation Warrior is a major part of this, with recent police activity leading to significant arrests and convictions.”
Crimestoppers is an independent charity that gives the public the power to speak up to stop crime, 100% anonymously either online or over the phone.
Operation Warrior targets both individuals and gangs involved in crime, as well as associated issues such as violence and intimidation, large scale drug supply, exploitation and fraud, all of which can cause serious harm to local communities.
Anyone with information about organised crime can contact Lancashire Constabulary or report anonymously to independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.
