Operation Advent: Tackling festive crime in Blackpool

Thursday, 1 December 2022 09:27

Blackpool Police have launched Operation Advent, an initiative to tackle increases in crime in the resort in the run up to Christmas.

As the town centre gets busier during the festive season, criminals tend to use this time of year to target unsuspecting shoppers.

Operation Advent works to provide a reassuring presence, all whilst targeting the most prolific shoplifting offenders. Officers will be advising stores on target hardening to prevent theft throughout the busy shopping period.

They’ll be targeting robbery suspects as well as burglary hotspots, and also a focus on anti-social behaviour in the town centre, including outreach work involving partner agencies and positive youth engagement.

Police will operate a dedicated stand at Hounds Hill Shopping Centre in Blackpool, offering safety advice and handing out crime prevention items funded by Lancashire Partnership Against Crime (LANPAC) and Blackpool Council.

The mobile police station will also be making a weekly appearance in St Johns Square for further community engagement.

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