Latest news with #PoliceandCrime
BBC News
7 days ago
- BBC News
Lancashire: Illegal e-bikes and e-scooters seized by police
About 100 electric motorbikes, throttle bikes and scooters have been seized by police in Lancashire at the start of the summer clampdown was part of a Lancashire Police operation on anti-social behaviour in Blackpool and Preston, which are among the areas with the highest number of reports of vehicle said 40 vehicles were seized in Ribbleton in Preston - some for not having insurance - and that they would be crushed. A number of other stolen vehicles and quantities of cannabis were also found by police. Roads policing inspector Dean Skelton said: "We are seeing an increase in the use of illegal bikes and scooters in criminal activity such as drug dealing."He said they were used "illegally, often without the correct insurance or license, but they are also being ridden in town centers and in really dangerous manners, which puts other road users and members of the public at risk"."This is in addition to those bikes which have been adapted at home, which pose further safety risks." Specialist support Insp Skelton added that the operation was "not about taking away someone's mode of transport, it is about keeping the rider and members of the public safe, as well as hindering criminals who use these bikes as a mode of transport".Officers said they also informed "some young people and their parents" with advice on the law around the Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw added: "It remains one of the most pressing concerns raised by residents throughout Lancashire."The force has also boosted their fleet with six specialist motorcycles as they try to counter anti-social behaviour. Rules on electric-powered bikes If an electric-powered two-wheeled vehicle does not fit into the category of electrically-assisted pedal cycle (EAPC), it must be registered, insured and also need to have a valid driving licence to ride non-EAPC electric bikes and scooters, and wear a motorcycle helmet that meets British safety vehicles can only be ridden on roads. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
Leader Live
11-07-2025
- Leader Live
North Wales PCC announces new funding to prevent youth crime
The initiatives, announced by North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Andy Dunbobbin, aim to support early intervention schemes that prevent young people from becoming involved in criminal activity. Mr Dunbobbin said: "These two new funding streams represent a significant investment in the future safety and wellbeing of our communities. "By supporting young people through positive diversionary activities and early intervention, we can break the cycle that leads to criminal behaviour and create safer neighbourhoods for everyone." The schemes form part of Mr Dunbobbin's long-term commitment to addressing the root causes of crime and building safer communities through early support. The Step Forward Fund will back two youth diversion or anti-social behaviour prevention projects, with each eligible to receive up to £25,000 a year for three years. It will support youth engagement hubs, outreach work, and programmes in ASB hotspot areas, targeting young people at risk of offending or exclusion from school. The Safer Futures Fund will support one project with up to £50,000 per year over three years. It focuses on early intervention for children and young people aged 10 to 18 who are at risk of crime, violence or exploitation, or who have already been affected by these issues. Mr Dunbobbin said: "I am particularly pleased that these are three-year funding commitments, which will enable successful organisations to develop sustainable, long-term programmes that can make a real difference. "We know that investing in our young people today is the most effective way to prevent crime tomorrow, and I'm excited to see the innovative approaches that will emerge from these funding opportunities." Eligible organisations must demonstrate experience of working with children and young people, deliver services across North Wales and have strong safeguarding policies in place. Applicants to the Safer Futures Fund must also provide evidence of their programme's positive impact. READ MORE: Ambulance service reveal number taken to hospital amid medical incident at Eisteddfod The funding is open to voluntary and community groups, charities, youth services and local partners who are committed to supporting young people and reducing crime. Applications close at 5pm on August 7, 2025. Successful applicants will be notified by September 5 and projects are expected to begin on October 1, 2025, running until September 2028. For full details and to apply, visit the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner's website at
Cambrian News
08-06-2025
- Cambrian News
Gwynedd stalking victim honoured for advocacy work at North Wales awards
North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, Andy Dunbobbin, said: 'These awards shine a light on the people and organisations who consistently go above and beyond. Whether through supporting victims, guiding those at risk, or simply showing up when it matters most, their efforts strengthen our communities. I'm grateful for their commitment and care, especially as we celebrate national Volunteers Week across the UK. They truly make North Wales a better, safer place for all.'
Leader Live
08-06-2025
- Leader Live
Wrexham: Public invited to share views on policing with PCC
A public surgery will be held with North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Andy Dunbobbin at Wrexham Library on Rhosddu Road on July 3, from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. The event is designed to bring policing closer to the public and give people the chance to raise concerns or comments directly with the commissioner and police representatives. Mr Dunbobbin said: "I'm pleased to be engaging directly with the residents of Wrexham and surrounding areas on issues that matter to them, alongside North Wales Police. "My public surgeries are a chance for the community to voice their concerns and share their ideas. "It's all about bringing policing closer to the people we serve. "I'm looking forward to meeting with residents, hearing their perspectives, and working together to ensure North Wales remains a safe, vibrant and secure place to live. "I encourage anyone who wants to, to book a place and to have their voice heard." Each attendee will be given a 20-minute private meeting with the commissioner, who will be joined by staff from his office and North Wales Police. The team will offer advice or direct residents to other agencies where appropriate. No other members of the public will be present during the meetings to ensure confidentiality. The surgery follows the launch of Mr Dunbobbin's second Police and Crime Plan in January 2025, which set out priorities including visible neighbourhood policing, support for victims and communities, and a fair and effective criminal justice system. The commissioner has four main duties: setting policing priorities, deciding the police budget, representing public views, and holding the Chief Constable to account. Surgeries are by appointment only to ensure matters raised relate to policing, crime, or community safety, and to give the commissioner time to prepare. While the commissioner cannot intervene in operational police matters, he welcomes public feedback on how North Wales is policed. Complaints about individual police officers or staff cannot be addressed during the surgery and must go through formal complaints channels. READ MORE: Lucky Flintshire street named People's Postcode Lottery winner TODAY To book a 20-minute slot, residents should contact the commissioner's office with their name, contact details, and a brief summary of the issue they wish to discuss. Bookings can be made by emailing opcc@ calling 01492 805486, or writing to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner North Wales, Police Headquarters, Glan y Don, Colwyn Bay, LL29 8AW. Slots are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. If all appointments are filled, alternative session details will be provided.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
PCC supports calls to reclassify cannabis
A Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) says he "fully supports" calls to reclassify cannabis as a Class A drug. Police forces in the west and south west of England have been cracking down on people using recreational drugs, with Dorset PCC David Sidwick this week reiterating calls for cannabis to be upgraded. Wiltshire PCC Philip Wilkinson says he has seen "first-hand" how cannabis cultivation and use are "deeply intertwined with a spectrum of criminal activities" in his county. The Home Office said it has "no intention of reclassifying cannabis from a Class B substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act". More news stories for Wiltshire Listen to the latest news for Wiltshire "From anti-social behaviour and retail theft to more serious offences like modern slavery and human trafficking, cannabis often serves as a gateway drug and funding source for organised crime groups," said Mr Wilkinson. Recent operations targeting organised crime groups in Wiltshire resulted in more than 100kg (220lbs) of cannabis being seized. These took place as part of Operation Scorpion, a joint initiative by Avon & Somerset, Dorset, Devon & Cornwall, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire forces, aimed at disrupting drugs networks around the west and south west of England. Mr Wilkinson added: "The idea that cannabis is a harmless drug is a misconception. Its cultivation and distribution are often controlled by organised crime networks that exploit vulnerable individuals and perpetuate violence. "County lines operations are the clearest example of how drug-related crime has extended its tentacles into our rural towns and villages. The notion that drug-related crime is only an urban issue is outdated and dangerously naïve." He said a national drug policy "that recognises cannabis as the deeply harmful drug it is, and supports prevention, education, and treatment alongside policing" would "send a clear message about the seriousness of its impact on our communities". Mr Wilkinson asked members of the public to continue reporting "any crimes and intelligence from their communities" so action can be taken. A Home Office spokesperson said: "We will continue to work with partners across health, policing and wider public services to drive down drug use, ensure more people receive timely treatment and support, and make our streets and communities safer. Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Experts criticise calls to re-classify cannabis Police crackdown on drug use in night-time economy Mayor backs report's call for cannabis law reform Wiltshire Police
