IT is more important than ever that those living in Lancashire make their views and thoughts about policing clear, the commissioner has said.

The message comes as the county's Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, launched a public survey on policing across the county.

The 'Let's Talk Policing' survey is asking residents for their views on policing priorities and the work of the constabulary in the face of the pandemic.

Information from the survey will inform the Commissioner's future priorities in the police and crime plan which sets out how the police and community safety partners work together to keep Lancashire safe.

Mr Grunshaw said: "At this time of year I would usually be out and about at events across Lancashire to meet residents face to face and to hear their views on crime and policing first hand.

"It's really important to me that residents have the opportunity to share their thoughts and this survey will give people the chance to do so.

"In the face of the ongoing pandemic and with additional pressure on resources it is more important than ever that our plans meet operational needs but also reflect the priorities of the people of Lancashire.

"Over the last year, thanks to support from the public, we have been able to make investments for the first time since 2010.

"Based on previous feedback and with the public's support, a dedicated task force of officers was rolled out across the county to tackle the issues that matter most to people including drug dealing, anti-social behaviour and burglary, alongside disrupting organised crime group activity and targeting outstanding offenders.

"We all want to build on this and see more bobbies on the beat and over the last year I have continued to challenge Government to make sure we get our fair share here in Lancashire. Government inspectors rated us as outstanding earlier this year in the way we efficiently use the resources we do have and the way we use these to keep people safe.

"I want feedback from Lancashire residents to continue to inform my Police and Crime Plan and I would like to hear from as many people as possible to get a clear picture about their priorities at the current time and how safe and confident they feel where they live."

The online survey will run until the 6th of September and is available at www.letstalkpolicing.co.uk.

A telephone survey will run alongside the online survey to give even more residents the opportunity to have their say.