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Good morning, all, In my previous message, I shared an update from the Chief Constable regarding the temporary redistribution of officers to safety‑critical areas. As many of you will now be aware, Lincolnshire Police has received additional Home Office funding. This is very welcome news and will enable us to achieve the highest number of police officers we have had in many years. Recruitment is now underway. For more information, please visit our website: Apply now to become a police officer | Lincolnshire Police For residents of West Lindsey considering a career in policing, I am happy to offer advice and guidance on the application process. You can contact me directly at Michael.head@lincs.police.uk. Incidents of Note • Vehicle thefts:
We have received several reports of stolen vehicles in the West Lindsey area in recent weeks—primarily in rural locations, with Land Rovers among the main vehicles targeted. We urge motorists to ensure vehicles are fully secured and that no valuables are left inside. More information on preventing vehicle theft is available here: Keeping vehicles safe | Crime prevention | Lincolnshire Police • Community & Alcohol Partnership meeting:
A further meeting will take place on Friday 27 February, with key partners and elected members invited to attend. • Road traffic offences:
Several tickets have recently been issued across West Lindsey for offences including mobile phone use while driving, speeding, driving without a licence, and driving without insurance. • Fraud alerts:
We are seeing an increase in fraud across Lincolnshire, including police‑impersonation scams, counterfeit £20 notes, and scam texts such as “Hello Mum, my phone is broken.” Advice on protecting yourself from fraud can be found on our website: Advice about fraud | Lincolnshire Police • Quad bike thefts:
We are experiencing an increase in rural burglaries targeting quad bikes stored in farm buildings. We ask owners to ensure these vehicles are secured as effectively as possible and recommend fitting concealed tracking devices. I intend to establish a Farm Watch group to strengthen security in these areas, and I encourage members of the rural and farming community to sign up to Lincs Alert to support this initiative. • Theft from motor vehicles:
Following a report from a vigilant member of the public about a male trying car door handles in Gainsborough, officers attended and successfully detained the suspect. During the arrest, the suspect assaulted officers and has been charged with two counts of assaulting an emergency worker. He remains on police bail for theft from a motor vehicle. • Dwelling burglary arrest:
After a report of burglary in Gainsborough, officers identified a suspect from CCTV footage. The individual was promptly arrested and is currently on bail pending a Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) charging decision. • Partnership work with Trading Standards:
On 23 February 2026, police supported Trading Standards during Op Nivada, which involved searches at licensed premises for counterfeit cigarettes and vapes. Searches in Caistor and Market Rasen resulted in the seizure of a significant quantity of illicit items. These products pose serious health risks and are often linked to organised crime. Police will continue to support Trading Standards in disrupting this activity. Remember: Police will never ask you to withdraw or hand over money, your PIN, your bank card, or to buy vouchers.Always verify unexpected requests for money by calling the person back on their usual number.Check £20 notes carefully — the hologram should switch between “Twenty” and “Pounds” when tilted. Please continue encouraging members of the public to sign up for Lincs Alert: lincolnshirealert.co.uk | 
