A total of 271 arrests have taken place across Preston city centre in the past year – as police look to curb anti-social behaviour.
Concern about crime in Preston city centre led to a Public Space Protection Order being brought in along with increased patrols by Lancashire Police.
Preston’s neighbourhood policing chief inspector, Helen Bevan, has released information on reduced anti-social behaviour and shoplifting after sustained patrols and stop and searches.
Read more: More than two out of three women feel unsafe at night in Preston city centre
Figures show 244 stop-searches took place and police attended 1,825 incidents in the past year.
Joint patrols with the city council’s anti-social behaviour officers to tackle street drinking have also been taking place.
Chief inspector Bevan said: “Six months on, these results show the real impact of sustained partnership working and a clear focus on the issues that matter most to our city centre. The reduction in anti-social behaviour and retail crime demonstrate that our targeted activity is making a difference.
“We know there is still more to do, but this progress should be reassuring for businesses, staff and the wider community.
“This is a great start and we’re not stopping here. We remain committed to maintaining this momentum, tackling repeat offenders and continuing to make Preston a safe and welcoming place for everyone.”
Shoplifting has been tackled with year-on-year figures showing a 22 per cent reduction in shoplifting-related offences in the city centre and a 49 per cent uplift in convictions related to shoplifting – with police regularly releasing charging details and conviction details secured against offenders.
Preston’s Business Improvement District (BID) manager, Mark Whittle, who represents city centre businesses said: “We’re grateful to the local policing team for working in partnership with us and the City Council to bring forward the City Centre Action Plan.
“To date, we have seen impressive and encouraging results. Of course, there’s more to do, but with a unified approach and a committed team of officers, I am convinced that we can continue to make a positive impact.
“Our thanks go, specifically, to the city centre policing and leadership teams, for their support, dedication and direct engagement with the business community”.
Preston City Council has increased its resource in dedicated city centre managers and anti-social behaviour officers.
Cabinet member for parks and community safety at the city council, councillor Connor Dwyer, said: “This project reflects a long-term, multi-agency commitment to improving safety, confidence and reducing crime and ASB in Preston City Centre.
“Last year, the City Council’s community safety team issued twelve Community Protection Warnings and three Community Protection Notices for anti-social behaviour in the city centre.
“The team also conducted 59 patrols in the period January to March 2026, targeting street drinking and anti-social activities covered by the City Centre Public Spaces Protection Order.
“Patrols are also conducted at weekends by the Council’s Street Safety Officers and first aid providers to help to keep the streets safe both for residents and people enjoying the city’s night life.
“By supporting these initiatives and events, and having engagement with businesses, it further contributes to enhancing safety in the city centre and therefore attracting more visitors to Preston.”
