The county's police and crime commissioner has labelled his 2016-2021 plan for policing 'a real community effort'.

And Clive Grunshaw says the plan - developed by community members, local councils, voluntary sector organisations, the police, health professionals and partners across the criminal justice sector - will shape the way policing and justice services are delivered by setting out strategic objectives which the chief constable and his team are required to deliver against.

Its four priorities are: protecting local policing; tackling crime and re-offending; supporting vulnerable people and victims; and developing safe and confident communities.

Mr Grunshaw said: “Our engagement in developing the new plan was really extensive. I met with literally hundreds of people representing partner organisations, and 1,672 Lancashire residents also completed the survey to make sure I understand the issues that matter to them most.

“Despite the huge pressures that our police and partners are facing, I am confident that by working together we can keep Lancashire safe.”

And he added: “We have had some excellent feedback from all those involved and as we plan ahead I am sure that combined with these priorities we will deliver the public’s priorities.”

Residents were asked to rank policing issues as high, medium or low risk priorities; some 1,672 public survey responses were received and most said tackling major crimes such as murder, rape and serious assaults (93.6%) were their highest priority, with protecting children from child sexual exploitation (88.7%) coming second. Counter-terrorism/tackling serious organised crime (75%), and patrolling neighbourhoods with high crime rates (72.4%) also ranked highly.

Responding to non-emergency calls (12.5%) and patrolling areas with low levels of crime were only ranked high priority by a small number of people (10%) and were actually seen as more than half of respondents’ lowest priorities when it came to crime themes.

Mr Grunshaw concluded: “These figures show that residents were actively looking for a response to crime in their area and it is an excellent way of getting to know what they wanted to tackle. As we renew the priorities, I will continue to listen to those involved who are assisting to make a difference to policing in their area.”