Officers focus on burglaries, scams and ‘The Fatal 4’ motoring offences following feedback

The Horncastle and Wragby Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) say they have identified three types of crime to focus on in the coming weeks following feedback from the public.
By John Fieldhouse
Published 13th Feb 2021, 18:00 GMT
On patrol: PCSO Nigel Wass and Inspector Sarah ConstantineOn patrol: PCSO Nigel Wass and Inspector Sarah Constantine
On patrol: PCSO Nigel Wass and Inspector Sarah Constantine

Officers say the team has ‘listened to concerns’ and looked at recent crime statistics to shape offences to concentrate on during the next three months.

This quarter, the priorities are:

•Burglary reduction (target hardening).

•Scam Awareness (postal, doorstep, telephone or internet.

•The Fatal 4 – motoring Offences (mobile phone, speeding, drug/drink driving and failure to wear seatbelts.

In a quarterly newsletter, the team said: “We have been busy dealing with neighbourhood disputes, ASB and victims of scams, in addition to the three priorities set for this quarter.

“Many ASB disputes can often be resolved by simply communicating in a calm, clear manner and understanding one’s actions and effect on others.

“However, we will step in, and with our partner agencies, help to try and resolve the issue.”

Levels of ASB continue to be low in Horncastle with statistics suggesting the town is one of the safest in the county.

However, there have been a number of reports in the last couple of weeks, including vandals who targeted two children’s play parks in Coronation Walk and Prospect Street.

In both cases, equipment was damaged and anti-Covid graffiti daubed on signs.

Town Council staff cleaned up the mess but it is local council taxpayers who will have to fund the cost of any repairs.

Police have renewed their appeal for information from anyone who can help with the incidents.

Meanwhile, the NPT team say public feedback shows speeding is a ‘common problem’ in communities across the South Wolds Division area.

The NPT says: “We and the Safer Roads teams have been working hard to curb driver’s habits.

“Between Nov and Dec 2020, the NPT stopped 23 drivers, of who, five were reported for excess speed and one dealt with for suspected drink driving.”

Officers also say they are targeting inconsiderate parking on footpaths.

They describe it as a ‘growing trend’ in Horncastle.

The team adds: “It goes against local council’s Covid safe efforts to make the footpaths and walkways safe and passable which helps to maintain greater physical distance between members of the public.

“It is inconsiderate parking on the footpath, entrances or yellow lined roads.”

The team - comprised of PC Kelly Palmer and PCSO’s Nigel Wass and Jad Mohammed - have issued eight fixed penalty notices for vehicles causing an ‘unnecessary obstruction’.

The officers add: “Make the effort and park up safe.”

They admit the rise in scams- which often target the elderly and vulnerable - is a concern.

They add: “If you think there is an issue we should be focusing on, get in touch.