Operation Nightsafe
Operation Nightsafe is a countywide multi agency initiative, which targets alcohol related crime and disorder by creating an environment where violence isn't acceptable or tolerated.
The campaign aims to reduce alcohol related crime and disorder and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. It also aims to raise awareness of the problems created through underage and binge drinking.
Although Lancashire remains one of the safest places to socialise, Operation Nightsafe is an additional resource towards maintaining this safety and will act as a reassurance to the community and a deterrent to vulnerable groups.
A pioneering approach...
Back in September 2003, Police in Blackpool and Fylde joined forces with key stakeholders to pilot Operation Nightsafe with a view to reducing levels of drink fuelled crime and anti-social behaviour.
During the autumn of 2003, a survey of Blackpool licensees revealed a 36 per cent drop in night-time disorder with 54 percent feeling that Nightsafe has had the overall effect of increasing people's awareness of the need to drink sensibly.
Following its success in Blackpool, Operation Nightsafe has received national acclaim, with a number of forces taking on board this pioneering approach either in it's entirety or various parts of it. The initiative and has now been rolled out to all parts of the county and is to be the Constabulary's corporate response to tackling alcohol related harm.
The key to the campaign's success has been strong partnership work with key stakeholders from across the county, including local communities, licensees, Trading Standards, Councils, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and crime and disorder partnerships to name but a few.
What does Operation Nightsafe seek to achieve?
- Nightsafe seeks to let people know that disorderly behaviour is not acceptable in Lancashire, reassuring others that something is being done - including police enforcement where necessary.
- To reduce incidents of alcohol related violence and disorder.
- To increase public confidence and improve feelings of safety.
- To build on the positive work and behaviour of most young people, encouraging everyone to make respecting themselves and others a greater consideration.
Who is involved in Operation Nightsafe?
Key partners include local authorities, Trading Standards, crime and disorder reduction partnerships, Ambulance Service, Lancashire Fire and Rescue service, licensing forums, Primary Care Trusts, Education, Drugs Actions Teams (DATs) who have worked closely in implementing Nightsafe initiates and promoting the message of 'drinking responsibly' since its launch in 2003.
Key Initiatives
Operation Nightsafe teams across the county have developed the scheme by implementing a number of initiatives, including:
- High visibility policing operations in identified trouble spots at key times
- Use of powers to confiscate alcohol.
- Test Purchasing operations (in partnership with Trading Standards) in both 'ON' and 'OFF' license premises.
- Conducting multi agency visits with partner agencies, which involves police officers speaking to licensees/managers of problem premises prior to the weekend and discussing the issues with them.
- Robust licensing visits at busy times in problem premises with appropriate action being taken if necessary.
- Developing CCTV, radio link schemes, and improve the use of Pubwatch as a means of excluding problematic individuals.
- Sweeps on gangs of youths in trouble spots whereby powers to confiscate alcohol will be utilised.