An event has been held to celebrate the ongoing success of Lancashire’s multi-agency approach to tackling serious and organised crime.

Established nine years ago, Genga is the name given to the 40+ local and national agencies working together to disrupt and deter organised criminality, protect the most vulnerable communities and prepare them to be resilient against organised criminality.

Founded by Lancashire constabulary, its motto is ‘building intelligence, toppling organised crime’.

Representatives from the Home Office, The Police and Crime Commissioners Office, Lancashire Fire and Rescue, local authorities, the Environment Agency and Calico Housing were amongst the attendees at Samlesbury Hall yesterday (Wednesday 7th February).

Opening the day was Detective Chief Superintendent Jo Edwards, who welcomed guests and discussed the changing nature of serious and organised crime on a local and national level.

She said: “Serious and organised crime is a growing and complex landscape. Working with partner agencies, we’re able to adapt to change, predict new trends and ultimately make it difficult for organised crime to operate. Genga is forward-thinking in its approach and we’re proud of its journey and the national recognition it is receiving.”
The event comes as Genga reaches the end of a two year DCLG funded initiative hosted by Blackburn with Darwen council under the Transformation Challenge Award. The programme invested £2m into a holistic organised crime project. The funding has helped to enhance Genga, particularly around tackling serious and organised crime through pursuit, prevention, preparation and protection.

This has led to many positive results, including the installation of a 24/7 CCTV hub in Blackburn town centre.

The event was used as an opportunity to celebrate success and 12 awards were presented to individuals and teams for their ongoing commitment to Genga.

One of the winners was Alison Hatton, Community Safety Manager at Preston City Council. Alison has been instrumental in delivering the new Genga CCTV hub. She was given the award in recognition of her dedication to the project, proactive partnership working, leadership and professionalism.

Catherine Hoyle, OCG & Genga Lead at Lancashire Constabulary, said: “Genga is all about working together and sharing resources and skills to maximise positive outcomes. It’s been great to get everyone together and see the impact we can make by working together. Next year will be our tenth anniversary and the longevity of Genga is testament to its value and success.”

Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner said:
"The Genga partnership has delivered some fantastic successes in tackling organised crime and I'm pleased that this event provided an opportunity to recognise some of those who played a key role in making this possible.
"Working with partners is absolutely crucial in removing dangerous criminal gangs from our streets and campaigns such as this highlight the real results that can be achieved, with this work continuing to help make our communities safer."



Photo caption

From left to right: Shane Roberts – Home Office, Det Chief Superintendent Jo Edwards – Lancashire Police, Linda McCarthy – Organised Crime Project, Catherine Hoyle – OCG and Genga Lead at Lancashire Constabulary, Rebecca Ramsay – Blackburn with Darwen Council