Lancashire Police has said one of its operations has seen a 13 per cent reduction in anti-social behaviour in hot spot areas across the county.

Since the launch of Operation Centurion in July 2023, Lancashire Constabulary has made 2,694 arrests, issued 452 civil actions and seized 601 nuisance vehicles due to anti-social behaviour.

Op Centurion is Lancashire Constabulary’s county-wide response to anti-social behaviour, supported by Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw.

Lancashire Constabulary’s Assistant Chief Constable, Karen Edwards, said: “Anti-social behaviour has the potential to cause a significant amount of harm and distress to people and it is unacceptable.

“We have been working incredibly hard to tackle these issues head on and our efforts are paying off with ASB down by five per cent across the county and 13 per cent within our hotspot areas which have benefitted from additional resources funded by the Home Office.

“We will continue to dedicate our efforts to tackle the anti-social behaviour that affects our local communities as well as tackling the anti-social behaviour on our roads."

As part of this targeted operation, each borough of Lancashire is seeing additional foot patrols to target areas identified as anti-social behaviour hotspots.

These areas have seen more than 27,000 additional foot patrol hours delivered, with officers 'tackling and deterring further incidents as well as engaging with residents and businesses'.

Police and crime commissioner Clive Grunshaw added: "It's great to see the positive impact Op Centurion is having and I am keen to build on this, both in anti-social behaviour hotspots and beyond."

"Offenders must know crime and anti-social behaviour, even at low level, will be punished and I'm committed to supporting Lancashire Constabulary to take firm action.

"The fact that Op Centurion is now tackling anti-social behaviour driving is really good news for Lancashire.

"I know that this is a real concern for residents and targeting those who use our roads in an anti-social and dangerous manner is an important step to make Lancashire safer."