Swiss tourist becomes police museum's 40,000th visitor

Lancashire's chief constable (left) presented Mr Alberio with a crime prevention goody bag

A Swiss tourist has become a police museum's 40,000th visitor as it celebrated the second anniversary of opening.

Lancashire Police Museum, which is housed in a former prison wing at Lancaster Castle, has welcomed locals, tourists and dignitaries such as the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh since it launched in May 2022.

Michael Alberio, who was visiting from Zug, near Zurich, was given a crime prevention goody bag by Chief Constable Sasha Hatchett to mark his place as its 40,000th visitor.

Ms Hatchett said the museum was "an excellent resource" and she had enjoyed meeting Mr Alberio and the institution's "fantastic volunteers".

A Lancashire Police representative said the museum, which boasted "16 fascinating exhibits" detailing the history of the force, had "gone from strength to strength" since opening.

"It has been shortlisted for two prestigious local visitor awards, hosted Royal visitors and this week welcomed its 40,000th visitor," they said.

Ms Hatchett (centre) said she would "encourage anyone to come and visit the museum in beautiful Lancaster"

Museum co-ordinator Sabine Skae said it had been "a pleasure to welcome so many visitors".

"From the very young to the young at heart... we’ve had thousands of walk-in visitors, but we’ve also welcomed hundreds of school, college and university students on organised tours," she said.

"It’s been great to share with them our fabulous history but also talk to people about the challenges of present-day policing as well as current career opportunities, of which there are many."

Ms Hatchett said the museum was "an excellent resource for us, providing an opportunity to educate people on how policing has changed, to learn more about their local police force and to illustrate the challenges of policing today."

"With more exhibits to be added over the year ahead and the fascinating history of the building itself, I'd encourage anyone to come and visit the museum in beautiful Lancaster," she added.