Chorley Police and partners win award for project aimed at steering young people away from crime

A PCSO from Chorley’s Neighbourhood Policing team, along with a Public Protection Officer at Chorley Council have been presented with an award for a project aimed at steering young people away from crime and anti-social behaviour.

After reports of increasing anti-social behaviour and crime committed by young people in the town, the neighbourhood policing team worked alongside Chorley Council’s Public Protection team on Operation Sunshine.

Through funding provided by Lancashire Partnership Against Crime (LANPAC), Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner, Andrew Snowden, Chorley Football Club and Chorley Council, the team offered a series of two-hour diversionary sessions each week throughout the 6-week Summer Holidays, engaging with over 400 young people across Chorley. They also carried out the activities during the October and February half term holidays, engaging with around 40 young people each session.

Sessions involved various organisations including PNE Community Trust and Chorley Football Club and delivered sports, games and activities in anti-social behaviour hotspot areas.

As a result of the operation, there was a direct decrease in crime and anti-social behaviour in the areas where the project was implemented.

Every year, the High Sheriff of Lancashire examines LANPAC’s successful application for funding, selecting the one they consider will make the biggest impact on crime reduction and community safety across Lancashire.

Last week, during a ceremony at Police Headquarters at Hutton, PCSO Liz Coleman and Donna Tuccio from Chorley Council were awarded the Shrievalty Rose Bowl trophy for Operation Sunshine.

Chief Inspector Chris Abbott from Chorley Neighbourhood Policing team said: “Operation Sunshine has been a really big success across Chorley. It fostered attitude changes among the young people who engaged, leading to improved behaviour.

“We will continue to work closely with our partners to find long-term solutions to the issues affecting the local community in Chorley and we would like to thank LANPAC  and our other partners for providing us with the funding to allow this operation to go ahead.”

Cabinet Member for Early Intervention at Chorley Council, Councillor Bev Murray said: “We are delighted that one of Chorley Council’s Public Protection Officers, alongside, a PCSO from Chorley’s neighbourhood policing team were awarded the Shrievalty Rose Bowl trophy. 

“It was great to see the success of Operation Sunshine and it really is a testament to effective partnership working to support this brilliant initiative – well done to all involved!”

Andrew Snowden, Police and Crime and Commissioner for Lancashire said: "This recognition is fantastic, well deserved and a testament to the hard work by those involved to make Op Sunshine a success.

“When I help fund projects through my Safer Lancashire Neighbourhood Fund, there is always a poetic irony in using cash seized from criminals and pumping it back into the community they once exploited, helping us fund projects that address root causes of crimes and bettering the lives of those in the community.

“This funding and work of other organisations and charities is important, operating alongside a more visible police presence on our streets that delivers my Fighting Crime Plan and keeps people safe." 

Al Yusuf from LANPAC said: “In the last 12 months LANPAC supported over 100 projects, and Operation Sunshine was an exceptional initiative which showed significant success, with footfall exceeding expectations.

‘’It has received positive feedback from local businesses, parents, and the youths themselves. Congratulations to PCSO Liz Coleman and Donna Tuccio who are very worthy winners of the Shrievalty Rose Bowl.’’