Suspicious Behaviour within Gainsborough

Good morning Resident, 

Gainsborough Police have been made aware of 4 separate incidents, involving a suspicious male hiding in bushes. These incidents have been reported over the last couple of days, in different areas of Gainsborough. It is unknown at this time if it is the same male that is involved in all 4 incidents. 

Incident 184 18/05/2026 - Report of a male hiding in the bushes on Highfield Close in Gainsborough. A description was given of the male and he was wearing a white rain coat, had his hood up, wearing dark trousers and possibly carrying a black bag. Police were dispatched to the area and stopped a male of similar description. His details were obtained by officers and whilst he is known to police, he is not believed to pose a risk to the public. 

Incident 279 17/05/26 - Report of a male dressed in dark clothing, hiding in the grounds of John Coupland Hospital, Gainsborough. Officers attended and carried out an area search, there was no trace of any persons acting suspiciously. 

Incident 509 16/05/2026 - Report of a male hiding in the bushes on Middlefield Lane, / Foxby Hill, Gainsborough. The male was described to be wearing dark clothing. A separate call came in, linked to this incident and it was reported that this male had followed a female for 17 minutes. The incident was graded as urgent and officers attended the area but there was no sightings of the male. 

Incident 534 16/05/26 - Report that a male was following a group of young females in the Trinity Street area of Gainsborough. An area search was carried out by officers, but there was no trace of any persona acting suspiciously. 

We are urging members of the public to contact us immediately if you witness any suspicious behaviour like this. We rely heavily on person descriptions, such as sex, age, build, height, clothing, hair colour. If an incident is in progress, please contact us on 999, otherwise, you can report incidents to us via 101 or online via the Lincolnshire Police website.

Thank you.