Blackpool Police and partners tackle anti-social behaviour in town centre

Blackpool's Neighbourhood Policing Team conducted joint patrols with partners to address anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the town Centre.

Police Officers were joined by colleagues from Lancashire’s Mounted Branch and representatives from Blackpool Council, housing and homeless outreach teams and Blackpool Business Improvement District (BID).

Teams conducted high visibility patrols across Blackpool, balancing engagement, safeguarding, and enforcement, in areas with high reports of ASB and criminal activity. Where necessary, enforcement powers were used, with 10 Community Protection Warnings (CPW), three Community Protection Notices (CPN), three travel warrants being issued across the day and 19 people were dealt with for breaching a public spaces protection order (PSPO), which prevents people from street drinking. All 19 were dispersed from the area and alcohol was seized.

In addition, six people were arrested for various offences, with numerous charges being served:

One woman was arrested and remanded in custody to await trail.

Gary Turner 41, of no fixed abode was arrested and later charged with one count of breaching CPN terms. He will appear before Lancaster Magistrates' Court on 26 June 2026.

Adele McQuade, 33 of no fixed abode was arrested and later charged with five counts of breaching CPN terms and one breach of PSPO. She will appear before Lancaster Magistrates' Court on 26 June 2026.

Jamie Topping 33, of no fixed abode was arrested and later charged with one count of breaching CPN terms. He will appear before Lancaster Magistrates' Court on 11 June 2026.

David Little 54, of Dale street, Blackpool was arrested and later charged with two counts of theft from a shop. He will appear before Lancaster Magistrates' Court on 12 June 2026.

Dean Grieg, 41 of Talbot Road, Blackpool was arrested and later charged with one count of breaching CPN terms and one breach of PSPO. He will appear before Lancaster Magistrates' Court on 12 June 2026.

In addition, one community resolution was issued for a shoplifting offence.

Neighbourhood Policing and Partnerships Chief Inspector, Andy Ainsworth, said: “By using a coordinated multi-agency approach to anti-social behaviour in the town centre we have been able to effectively tackle concerns, ensuring support services are offered, while also taking robust action where offences are being committed.

“We recognise that some individuals are vulnerable and need additional support for mental health or substance dependence. It was fantastic to conduct this work so closely with partners who are able to put that support in place.

“Under Operation Centurion, we will continue working closely with our partner agencies to carry out targeted operations like this and put a stop to anti‑social behaviour.”

Cllr Paula Burdess, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Street Scene and Neighbourhoods, said: “We know how important it is for residents, businesses and visitors to feel safe and confident in our town.

“Working alongside our police colleagues and local partners, these joint patrols demonstrate our shared commitment to tackling anti-social behaviour in the town centre while supporting those who are most vulnerable.

“This approach ensures we can take firm action where needed, but also connect individuals with housing, health and outreach services that can help address the underlying causes of their behaviour.

“Partnership working is key to keeping Blackpool safe and welcoming, and we will continue to support initiatives that improve the town centre for everyone.”

Ryan Skyrme, Operations Manager at Blackpool BID, said: “Blackpool BID Wardens played a key role in identifying ongoing issues, supporting partner agencies, sharing intelligence, reassuring businesses and visitors, and assisting with operational activity throughout the day.

“Operation RESOLVE delivered strong results through visible enforcement, proactive engagement, safeguarding activity, and effective partnership working. The operation demonstrated the value of continued collaboration between Blackpool BID, Blackpool Council and Lancashire Police in improving safety and public confidence within Blackpool Town Centre.

“Following the day of action, Blackpool BID Wardens will continue to monitor the town centre, working with our Shopwatch members capturing evidence and reporting incidents directly to the Police.”

Op Centurion is a county-wide crackdown on anti-social behaviour, led by Lancashire Constabulary and backed by Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw, getting tough on anti-social behaviour, with the support of partners.