£2m fund to help protect vulnerable

Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw and Lancashire Police submitted a joint bid for funding from the Home Office earlier this year.

The successful bid will see a range of initiatives aimed at preventing vulnerable people falling into a life of crime or joining gangs and ensuring Lancashire Police has the additional resources to pursue criminals likely to cause serious harm.

The money will also be used to protect people who are vulnerable and help those living in fear due to their involvement with organised crime groups or gangs.

Mr Grunshaw said today: “I am delighted that the Home Office has awarded this funding so we can further develop our approach to early action to tackle major issues right across Lancashire.

“My Police and Crime plan priorities included tackling crime and re-offending and protecting vulnerable people and this bid will form a key part of that delivery.”

The initiative will be supported by other agencies such as councils, health partners, the North West Ambulance Service and charities.

Planned actions include:

• Mental health staff to be deployed within the force’s contact centre providing support

• Exploring the use of GPS technology to help keep track of vulnerable people suffering from dementia

• More workers employed to help reduce re-offending

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Bates said: “Securing this vital funding from the Home Office means we can push forward with delivering early intervention to children, families and adults across the whole county together with our partner agencies.

“Early action is all about preventing problems, rather than responding to them and ensuring that individuals and families receive the most appropriate, quality support.”