Domestic abuse police detentions surge across Lancashire
The number of domestic abuse suspects detained in custody by Lancashire Police has rocketed by 66 per cent in the space of three years.
Data shows 11,345 such cases were recorded during 2025, two thirds more than in 2022 - a rise that Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw says is down to the force’s “proactive approach to arresting offenders”.
He said that the increase was in line with preventing violence against women and girls being both a “national priority” and “a key focus” of his own local Police and Crime Plan.
Overall, the number of people held in custody in Lancashire reached 33,242 in 2025, a 41 per cent increase on three years earlier, as a result of what the Commissioner says is officers continuing to “target outstanding suspects, including those wanted on warrant and recalled to prison”.
Clive Grunshaw added: " I welcome the proactive approach taken by officers to detain those suspected of domestic abuse, alongside other offences. Ensuring detainees are treated with respect is essential and scrutinising how custody operates in Lancashire is a key part of the openness and transparency needed to rebuild public trust.
“My Police and Crime Plan highlights the importance of this work, as officers can only do their jobs effectively with the support of the communities they serve.
“The Custody Detention Scrutiny Panel plays a vital role in holding Lancashire Constabulary to account, alongside our other scrutiny panels and the invaluable contributions of volunteers who make this possible.
“Being open and honest with the public is central to the work of my Office, ensuring people across Lancashire receive the best possible policing service, feel confident reporting crime, and trust that they will receive justice.”
The scrutiny panel, made up of independent members of the public, reviews data and specific incidents to assess how custody services operate, including the treatment of detainees - particularly children and young people. Their findings help identify areas for improvement.
Independent custody visitors also make regular, unannounced calls on custody suites in Blackburn, Preston, Blackpool and Lancaster.