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Message From Inspector 1144 Head |
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Good Afternoon all,
With the arrival of warmer weather, I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate an important safety message regarding the dangers of swimming in open water. As many of you will recall, there was a significant number of fatalities within a short period earlier this year, one of which tragically occurred in Lincoln. While it may be tempting to enter open water to cool down during hot weather, there are often concealed hazards and unpredictable undercurrents. I would strongly urge everyone to use only designated venues that are supervised by lifeguards.
I would also like to correct an error in my previous update. I had advised that the new PCSOs would be joining us on 18 June; the correct date is 8 July. While the team’s quarterly priorities were originally due to be set on 18 July, these have been brought forward to coincide with their arrival to ensure they are able to begin work promptly and focus on the key issues affecting our communities. Each member of the team will take ownership of a specific priority area, working closely with relevant partner agencies and providing regular updates.
For Gainsborough Rural North (NC01) and Gainsborough Rural South (NC05), feedback from Lincs Alert surveys shows that speeding remains the community’s primary concern. This aligns with ongoing feedback from Parish Councillors. Additionally, our data indicates that we are likely to see a seasonal increase in wildlife crime. PCSO Patchett has been assigned responsibility for both the road policing and wildlife crime plans for this area.
In Gainsborough Town North (NC02), Town South (NC03), and Uphills (NC04), we will be relaunching Operation Alaskan, which focuses on tackling anti-social behaviour involving mopeds and quad bikes. This is a recurring issue highlighted through social media and discussions with local councillors. PCSO Folstead-Sulley will lead this work.
Retail crime continues to have a significant impact on the local community, particularly during times of economic hardship, where a small number of high-harm offenders are responsible for disproportionate disruption. Targeting these individuals will be key to reducing overall offending. PCSO Bagley will oversee this area of work.
Youth anti-social behaviour and street drinking also remain concerns for residents. There is currently strong partnership working taking place with the West Lindsey District Council ASB team, which we should aim to publicise more effectively. Previous hotspot patrols funded by the Home Office had a positive impact in reducing ASB, and we are exploring opportunities to reintroduce these in some capacity. PCSOs Brumby and Griffin will lead on this priority.
A further national issue is the emergence of “pop-up” vape shops used as fronts for criminal activity. Over the past 12 months, joint working between police, Trading Standards, and Immigration has resulted in a number of closures and significant seizures of counterfeit goods. We are aiming to build on this success and position Gainsborough as a leading area in tackling this type of offending and restoring confidence in our high streets. Operation Spokane represents our response, with PC Clare holding responsibility for this plan.
Operation Climb, originally developed to address serious violence and drug supply in Gainsborough, has now evolved into the Safer Gainsborough Programme. This is a significant, multi-agency initiative focused on improving outcomes for children and young people within the town, and it is something I am extremely proud to be involved in. From a policing perspective, this work will be overseen by myself and PC Postles. In addition, Gainsborough has secured “Pride in Place” funding, which will see £2 million invested annually over the next ten years to support a community-led regeneration plan. I would encourage all residents to take part in the Pride in Place survey to ensure their views are represented.
For Welton & Hemswell (NC06), Nettleham & Cherry Willingham (NC07), Market Rasen (NC08), and Caistor (NC09), speeding has again been identified as a key concern through Lincs Alert surveys and feedback from local councillors. PC Toyn has been assigned responsibility for this priority area.
Our data also suggests an anticipated increase in wildlife crime across NC06, NC07, and NC09. Recognising the impact on our rural and farming communities, PCSO Cowling will oversee the policing response for this issue.
In Market Rasen, concerns around drug supply have been consistently raised through surveys, community meetings, and engagement with councillors. However, despite these discussions and outreach efforts by beat managers, we have not seen a corresponding increase in reporting or intelligence submissions. PCSOs Ireland and Hails will therefore conduct targeted hotspot patrols to encourage greater reporting, with a review planned in the coming months to assess effectiveness. PC Turner and PC Key will lead on the wider policing response to drug supply in the area.
Sergeants Bennett and Pearson have also been tasked with enhancing our approach to tackling child exploitation.
Officer recruitment is currently open. If you are interested in learning more about joining Lincolnshire Police, please visit our website:
For residents in West Lindsey considering a career in policing, I am happy to offer advice and guidance throughout the application process. I can be contacted at: Michael.head@lincs.police.uk
Finally, I would encourage continued promotion of Lincs Alert, which remains an essential communication tool. It enables us to share timely updates and allows the public to provide valuable information, particularly in relation to CCTV enquiries and stolen vehicles. There are also a number of local “Watch” schemes available, including Farm Watch and Land Rover Watch.
To sign up to Lincs Alert, please visit: | ||
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