LANCASHIRE Constabulary carried out the fifth highest number of searches for offensive weapons out of all 43 forces across the UK, a report has revealed.

Compared to other forces, the figures, in a report by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary, show that the force recorded fewer stop and searches than average, and a higher than average number of these searches resulted in an arrest.

Lancashire was the seventh highest for stolen property, the report said.

HMIC inspected all 43 police forces in England and Wales between October 2012 and April 2013, and found that in 27 per cent of searches the officer had either recorded no grounds for carrying out the search, or had entered a reason which would not justify a search.

As part of the investigation, in order to establish what the public thought about the use of stop and search powers, HMIC commissioned YouGov to conduct a survey on the subject.

The findings showed that 43 per cent of people surveyed who had been stopped and searched in Lancashire said that they were not made aware of the reason why.

Seventy one per cent said that a form was not filled out in front of them detailing the reasons for the search.

None of those who responded to the survey who had been stopped and searched, were arrested as a result.

A Lancashire police spokesperson said: “We welcome this report and we have already started to address many of the points raised as part of an action plan aimed at ensuring that our use of stop and search powers is fair and effective.

“Lancashire Constabulary has a culture among officers and staff of treating people with respect and courtesy in all interactions, including stop and search, and by using our powers fairly and in a way that is effective at keeping the public safe, we can build community confidence and encourage people to be more socially responsible in helping to reduce crime and disorder.”