Message From Inspector 1144 Head

Message From Inspector 1144 Head

Good afternoon, all,

Thankfully, there have been no significant incidents to report since my last update. Instead, I would like to use this update to address a number of concerns that have been raised by members of our local communities. Due to the sensitive nature of some of the matters discussed, I have taken the decision to disable comments on this post. Unfortunately, experience has shown that a small minority of responses can be insensitive and may cause additional distress to families who are grieving or who have been directly affected by the incidents referenced.

Tragically, West Lindsey has experienced two serious incidents involving e-bikes within the last week. One incident resulted in the devastating loss of a young life, while another left a resident with life-changing injuries. Our thoughts remain firmly with the families and individuals affected during what is undoubtedly an incredibly difficult time.

I appreciate that the issue of e-bikes is a highly emotive topic within our communities. We continue to receive reports of anti-social riding, and there is often a perception that the police and partner agencies are not doing enough to address the problem. However, this is not an issue unique to West Lindsey; it is a challenge being faced by police forces and partner organisations across the country. Whilst legislation provides powers to deal with offences involving e-bikes, enforcement can be difficult due to the volume of incidents and the fact that many modified e-bikes are not immediately identifiable without further examination. Encouragingly, with additional PCSOs in West Lindsey nearing independent patrol status, we will be better placed to dedicate resources towards addressing these concerns and taking positive action where appropriate.

With Christmas approaching, many parents and guardians may be considering purchasing an e-bike for a child or family member. I would strongly encourage anyone considering doing so to ensure that the bike is legal for use on public roads and in public places. If an e-bike exceeds 250 watts, provides assistance beyond 15.5mph without pedalling, or is fitted with an unlawful throttle system, it is likely to be legally classified as a motor vehicle. In such circumstances, the rider may require the appropriate licence, insurance, registration, and safety equipment to use it lawfully. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in enforcement action, including seizure of the vehicle.

I would also like to address concerns that have recently circulated on social media regarding allegations that children are being photographed in parks and other public spaces, often accompanied by claims linking this behaviour to members of the asylum-seeking community. I fully understand why such reports generate concern amongst parents and residents. However, it is important that concerns are approached objectively and based on evidence rather than assumption.

In every incident of this nature that officers have attended and investigated, no evidence has been identified to suggest that photographs of children were being taken. Whilst everyone has the right to report suspicious circumstances to the police, speculation and misinformation can create unnecessary fear and division within communities. It can also result in innocent individuals being subjected to unfounded allegations simply because they are using a mobile phone in a public place.

I would encourage residents to remain vigilant and continue reporting genuine concerns to the police. Equally, it is important that we avoid making assumptions about an individual's intentions or associating concerns with a person's ethnicity, nationality, or background in the absence of evidence. We are strongest as a community when concerns are reported responsibly, investigated impartially, and decisions are based on facts.

I would like to thank everyone who continues to engage positively with the police and our partner agencies. Community intelligence, reporting, and constructive dialogue remain vital in helping us keep West Lindsey a safe place to live, work, and visit.

Finally, following feedback received from a resident through Lincs Alert, I am exploring the introduction of a regular "Around the Courts" update. The aim of this feature will be to provide residents with information on sentencing outcomes and court results relating to offences committed within West Lindsey. I am currently working through the practicalities of delivering this information in a timely and appropriate manner, and I hope to share further details in the near future.

As always, I welcome constructive feedback from residents. If there are any additional topics, information, or updates that you would like to see included in future communications, please continue to let us know so that we can ensure these updates remain informative, relevant, and valuable to the communities we serve.

Please continue encouraging members of the public to sign up for Lincs Alert: lincolnshirealert.co.uk