Swiss tourist is 40,000th visitor to the Police Museum

A Swiss tourist was the 40,000th visitor to a police museum celebrating the second anniversary of its opening.

Housed in a former prison wing of Lancaster Castle, the Lancashire Police Museum has been welcoming locals, tourists and dignitaries such as the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh since its opening in May 2022.

Michael Alberio, visiting from Zug near Zurich, received a crime prevention gift bag from Police Commissioner Sasha Hatchett to recognize his town as the 40,000th visitor.

Ms Hatchett said the museum was “an excellent resource” and she enjoyed meeting Mr Alberio and the facility’s “fantastic volunteers”.

A representative of Lancashire Police said the museum, which details the history of the police with “16 fascinating exhibits”, had “grown in popularity” since it opened.

“It has been shortlisted for two prestigious local visitor awards, hosted royal guests and welcomed its 40,000th visitor this week,” they said.

Museum coordinator Sabine Skae said it was “a pleasure to welcome so many visitors”.

“From the very young to the young at heart … we have had thousands of visitors without prior appointment, but we have also welcomed hundreds of high school, college and university students through organized tours,” she said.

“It was great to share our fabulous story with them, but also to talk to people about the challenges of policing today, as well as current career opportunities, of which there are many.”

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

“With more exhibits being added over the coming year and the building itself having a fascinating history, I would encourage everyone to visit the museum in beautiful Lancaster,” she added.