On Saturday Night (2nd December 2023), officers from Wyre Neighbourhood and Response Police took to the streets of Poulton as part of Operation Night Guardian.
Op Night Guardian, an initiative funded by the Home Office’s GRIP innovation fund, involves both uniformed and specially trained plain-clothed patrols in busy town centres. It aims to protect people by identifying those who may be displaying signs of concerning behaviour.
The operation also offers a range of practical measures used to help prevent and detect spiking offences with drink toppers and spiking test kits available in some licenced premises, which officers hope will further help to deter offences and raise the risk of offenders being caught.
A search dog was used throughout the operation to identify those carrying drugs within licensed premises, along with specialist licensing departments who were also in attendance to ensure compliance.
The operation yielded a number of good results and the search dog helped officers make multiple arrests.
Sergeant Dan Whitaker, from Lancashire’s Violence Reduction Network (VRN), said:
“We have had lots of positive interactions with revellers, door supervisors and licensees who overwhelmingly support this initiative.
“We know many people visiting our licenced premises will be law abiding and just want to enjoy a good night out. However, for anyone intent on causing harm, our message is clear. We are proactively targeting inappropriate behaviour and raising the risk of you being caught.”
Councillor Roger Berry, Deputy Leader and Neighbourhood Services and Community Safety Portfolio Holder at Wyre Council comments,
“Operations like this are really important and we are fully supportive of any measures that help to minimise crime and protect those who wish to enjoy the nightlife Wyre has to offer. We are pleased to work with our partners through Wyre’s Community Safety Partnership to keep the public safe and provide reassurance to people enjoying nights out in the run up to Christmas.”