Letters - Monday December 28, 2020

We are sending a warning to criminals who target cash-in-transit vans and ATMs over the Christmas period that they are being watched.

Throughout the festive period and into the new year, officers will implement high-visibility patrols to enable security vehicles to carry out their normal deliveries and to protect businesses.

This work is part of a national operation, called Operation ATMosphere, created in partnership with the British Security Industry, which aims to bring together police forces and businesses from across the country to combat cash-in-transit and ATM crime.

Since the beginning of 2020, there have been 11 attempted ATM thefts in Lancashire, none of which were successful, and just one cash-in-transit robbery in Morecambe, which is currently being investigated.

In February six members of an organised crime group, that went on a rampage across the Lancashire countryside in 2019, using stolen plant equipment to rip ATMs from walls, were jailed for a total of 29 years.

The impact of this type of crime to our communities is significant, it is not a victimless crime and we remain committed to working with our colleagues across the region to disrupt and prevent cash-in-transit and ATM robberies.

Through partnership working and intelligence led, proactive policing, we’ve seen a fall in these types of crimes.

However, we’re not complacent and are dedicated to ensuring that criminals recognise that this is not an easy way to make money - because it is not.

My message to those in our county who think that they can get away with this type of crime is simple – we’re watching you and we’ll do everything in our power to bring you to justice.

The signs criminal gangs may be planning an attack are:

. People who loiter around a business premises;

. Someone who takes an interest during a cash delivery or collection;

. People who take photographs or videos during a cash delivery or collection;

. Vehicles which often park near business, with no-one entering or leaving.

You can report any concerns to us on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

If a crime is ongoing or lives are at immediate risk, please dial 999.

Paul Richardson

Detective Inspector of Lancashire Police’s Intelligence Bureau

Praise

Festive wishes to all at Blackpool FC

I would like to wish Simon Sadler and all at Blackpool FC a very Merry Christmas, and pay respect for the professional way our club is now being run in every department, and praise Neil Critchley and all his staff and players for the way they have approached this season.

Allen Tomlinson

Season ticket holder

Praise

Thank you to Scouts and farewell to Lily

The District Commissioner for Blackpool Scouts, along with the District chairman and District Scout executive, wish to thank all of our fantastic leaders for their outstanding work in the planning of programmes, activities, and events throughout such a very difficult year in the Scouting calendar.

As usual, everyone has adapted like a ‘fish to water’, either by Zoom, socially distance meetings, or You Tube.

The District is also so very proud of the achievements from all our young people, in gaining so many badges, and Chief Scout Awards. We are truly proud of you all.

A final thanks goes to all our supporters, sponsors, and family members, who have been there to encourage and inspire their children to achieve amazing achievements in Scouting.

It would also be very remiss of me not to note the very sad loss of our District President Coun Lillian Henderson MBE, who has passed away in the last few days.

Lily as she was affectionately known by so many, was an absolute star. In Blackpool Scouting, she was an incredible and outstanding ambassador.

Lily did so much to fulfill the lives of so many young people and leaders so that they could seek their potential and dreams come true through her constant fund raising, via so many coffee mornings, bucket collections, and St. George’s Day Dinner and Dance. She was a voice for the movement in council meetings, and so many other occasions. Lily will never be forgotten.

May we wish you all a peaceful Christmas, and look forward to all that the New Year brings with great hope.

Philip Mather

Promotions and Publicity

Manager, Blackpool District Scouts

Society

Thoughts about food wastage

As National Food Wastage Week continues, think about what food you buy amid the threat of some fresh food shortages.

We should think, are we going to use that extra loaf of bread or will we eat that extra pack of tasteless tomatoes from the Netherlands?

Let the supermarkets send any surplus food to the homeless charities or food banks. And there will be less waste to go on your local council’s compost heap!

Dave Ellis

via email