Jail for repeated closure order breaches, Spalding

Jail for repeated closure order breaches, Spalding

We received multiple reports of suspected mate crime and the exploitation of a vulnerable tenant at a property in Oak Court, Spalding.

Following these concerns, South Holland District Council's Housing and Safer Communities teams sought a closure order. Neighbourhood Policing officers, through their regular engagement with probation services and partner agencies, had also identified safeguarding concerns linked to the address.

An investigation was launched, which established that the property was home to a vulnerable victim of 'mate crime'. Evidence gathered showed that the man had attended the address on 11 occasions, during which he repeatedly requested money from the resident. This formed part of the evidence presented to the court.

We worked alongside council colleagues to gain this evidence along with other agencies, which meant that the suspect was located quickly, and remanded into custody to safeguard the victim.

This joint work resulted in a Partial Closure Order being secured at the property and further enforcement action being pursued against the offender involved.

Andrew Searle, 56, of Pinchbeck Road, Spalding repeatedly breached the order by entering the premises 11 times between 8 September and 8 October 2026.

Working closely with partner agencies, officers were able to gather evidence of repeated breaches of the order, resulting in Searle being arrested and appearing before the court on 14 October 2026.

The court imposed a custodial sentence of five months' imprisonment and granted a Restraining Order until April 2028. The order prohibits Searle from contacting the victim or attending Oak Court.

Commenting on the outcome, Sergeant Callum Corder, of South Holland's Neighbourhood Policing Team, said:

"This investigation, conviction and safeguarding of the victim collectively demonstrates the strength of partnership working between agencies across our communities. It also highlights the vital role local people play in helping us protect those who may be vulnerable.

"Members of the community raised concerns with us, and by working closely with our partners we were able to take positive action. We would encourage anyone with concerns about crime, anti-social behaviour or safeguarding issues to continue reporting them through the appropriate channels. The information people provide helps us direct our resources where they are needed most and ensures we can continue keeping our communities safe."

Councillor Tracey Carter, Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing at South Holland District Council, said:

"This is a really positive result and highlights just how effective partnership working can be in keeping our communities safe.

"I would like to thank our Housing and Safer Communities teams, Lincolnshire Police and all partner agencies involved for their hard work and commitment throughout this case.

"By working closely together, we were able to protect vulnerable residents, take action against those causing harm, and ensure breaches of the Partial Closure Order were dealt with appropriately and show that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.

"This outcome reflects the dedication of everyone involved and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to supporting vulnerable people and making sure residents feel safe in their homes."

What is ‘mate crime’?

Typical examples include:

Report it

Information gathering never stops. If you see something that matters, report it. Every concern raised and every piece of information shared plays a vital role in turning fragmented information into a coherent intelligence picture that supports disruption and crime prevention.

If you feel you have information that might be useful to us, there are a number of ways you can get in touch.

By calling 101

By telling us about concerns via the 'Tell us about' section of our website: https://www.lincs.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/

By speaking with us while we’re on foot patrols

Or anonymously, via the Crimestoppers website: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously

All information is handled sensitively and confidentially.

By continuing to report concerns, crime and anti-social behaviour, you help us identify patterns, target patrols effectively and work with partners and the community to address issues before they escalate.