Message From Inspector 1144 Head

Message From Inspector 1144 Head

Weekly Community Update

With the arrival of darker mornings and evenings, we have unfortunately seen an increase in both theft of motor vehicles and thefts from motor vehicles across the area. I would encourage residents to remain vigilant, ensure vehicles are secured, and report any suspicious activity to police.       

Recent Incidents

Cherry Willingham

On 5th October, police received a report that a Ford Transit van, registration FJ71 SFN, had been stolen without keys from Elm Avenue, Cherry Willingham.

Gainsborough

At approximately 10:50pm on 5th October, a resident on Sir Thomas Avenue disturbed two males reportedly attempting to gain entry to his Ford Transit van. It is believed the offenders were targeting items stored within the vehicle.

Nettleham

Also on 5th October, a dwelling burglary occurred on Crickets Drive, Nettleham. The occupant was woken at approximately 2:50am when offenders reportedly entered the bedroom using a torch. A number of drawers within the property were searched and, at this stage, it is believed a handbag was stolen.

Immigration Enforcement Operation

On 8th October, officers supported Immigration Enforcement with a warrant at a premises in Fiskerton. The operation proved particularly challenging, with a number of individuals attempting to flee the location. Fortunately, armed response officers were conducting training nearby and were able to assist swiftly. As a result, eight individuals were detained in connection with immigration offences.

Why are suspects released on bail?

One concern regularly raised by members of the community relates to individuals being arrested and subsequently released on bail.

This is a frustration often shared by officers. In many cases, even where offences are admitted, charging decisions must be authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). While that decision is being made, suspects are frequently released on bail with conditions attached.

The early prison release scheme has also increased the threshold for remand applications, meaning stricter criteria must be met before courts will authorise a defendant's detention. Where those criteria are not met, suspects may be released on bail pending further proceedings.

Responding to concerns about enforcement priorities

Finally, I would like to address comments recently made in response to social media posts showing PCSOs conducting traffic enforcement and seizing illegally used e-bikes and e-scooters. Some individuals have suggested that officers should instead be focusing on other offences, such as drug-related crime.

I make no apology for targeting motorists who speed or otherwise place other road users at risk, nor for tackling anti-social behaviour involving e-bikes and e-scooters. These issues are repeatedly identified as priorities by residents through surveys, community engagement events and discussions on local social media platforms.

That said, enforcement activity is not limited to roads policing and anti-social behaviour. The Neighbourhood Policing Team continues to focus on a wide range of criminality affecting our communities, including drug supply. This is reflected in the significant drug seizures we have publicised previously. Over the last three years, the team has executed in excess of 100 warrants, predominantly targeting the supply of Class A drugs.

While we appreciate that no policing approach will satisfy every member of the community, we will continue to focus our resources on the priorities identified by local residents.

Current Priorities

Beat Codes NC01 (Scotter Ward), NC02 (Gainsborough Town North), NC03 (Gainsborough Town South), NC04 (Gainsborough Uphills) and NC05 (Saxilby Ward)

Beat Codes NC06 (Welton), NC07 (Nettleham), NC08 (Market Rasen) and NC09 (Caistor)

Have Your Say

If you feel we have not identified the right priorities, or there are issues you would like the Neighbourhood Policing Team to focus on, I would encourage you to sign up to Lincs Alert and complete the community survey. Your feedback helps us understand what matters most to local residents and ensures that we focus our efforts where they are needed most.

To sign up for Lincs Alert, please visit:

www.lincolnshirealert.co.uk