Ketamine and rural crime prevention sees East Division officers recognised at Lancashire Constabulary’s Problem-Solving Awards
Police initiatives to divert young people from rural crime by offering them a positive pastime, and another to tackle ketamine supply in Burnley, have won top awards.
The Emerging Problem-Solvers category was won by PCSO Alan Fielding at Lancashire Constabulary’s Problem-Solving Awards ceremony for his work around tackling anti-social behaviour in Nelson.
The initiative, called Hook, Line and Sinking ASB, provides community engagement and rural crime prevention through fishing, diverting young people from offending by offering them a positive pastime.
The programme has provided a meaningful way for the police to connect with Eastern European groups, as well as providing an opportunity for officers to build trust, encourage conversation and offer reassurance to those in the community.
Meanwhile, the Partnership Working category was won by Neighbourhood Inspector Matt Plummer and Det. Sgt Stu Peall for the multi-agency initiative to tackle ketamine supply and harm in Burnley and Padiham, called Operation Shore.
Sparked by rising community concerns and the exploitation and health risks associated with the drug, the operation used intelligence-led visits, safeguarding referrals and a coordinated week of action to target those suspected of supplying ketamine in the area. The week also included arrests, school talks, and targeting of illegal bikes used in drug supply.
Working closely alongside partner agencies and local authorities, educational packages were developed for the police and schools, which have since been adopted nationally.
The operation disrupted the supply chain, gained national media attention and received feedback from users struggling to access ketamine locally, demonstrating its impact on both enforcement and prevention.
The overall winner of the Problem-Solving Awards was Inspector Steve Scott and his team for their project to tackle the illegal use of e-bikes, off-road bikes and motorcycle-enabled crime across Lancashire.
In 2024, the county experienced a sharp rise in serious anti-social behaviour linked to their use, including six fatal collisions and a growing number of serious injuries.
Community feedback through Lancashire Talking and calls for service highlighted e-bikes as a major concern. The project focused on education, diversion and enforcement operations.
As a result, over 1,000 machines have been seized, public concerns have significantly reduced and there have been no fatal collisions involving e-machines in Lancashire this year.
Operation Shore received the runners-up award for their multi-agency initiative targeting ketamine supply and harm in Burnley and Padiham.
Chief Superintendent Steve Rides, East Divisional Commander, said: “I am incredibly proud of the hard work, dedication and talent shown by our officers and PCSOs at this year’s awards. It is fantastic to see East Division recognised for the outstanding efforts that are truly making a difference in our communities.
“These achievements highlight not only the commitment of our teams but also the innovative and collaborative approach we take with our partners to tackle crime and build safer neighbourhoods. Well done to everyone.”
The Chenery Award, which is dedicated to Sylvia Chenery, a Criminologist and Problem-Solving expert who has supported and continues to support Lancashire Constabulary, recognises an officer or member of staff who has made an outstanding contribution to problem-solving. This year it was presented to Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Mo Emam, of East BCU, for his dedication to problem solving throughout his career.