Lincolnshire Police have responded to concerns raised by Skegness town councillors over alleged shoplifting incidents in local bakeries and a reported increase in begging in the town centre.

The issues were debated at Wednesday night’s meeting of Skegness Town Council, following questions submitted in advance by Councillor Mark Anderson and Councillor Jimmy Brookes, the town’s Mayor.

Coun Anderson raised concerns after witnessing what he described as repeated incidents of shoplifting in Skegness bakeries.

“I have witnessed on several occasions white local people walk into a bakery in Skegness and pick up food from the hot and cold cabinet and just walk out without paying,” he said.

Coun Mark Anderson (left) and Coun Jimmy Brookes.

placeholder image — Coun Mark Anderson (left) and Coun Jimmy Brookes.

“I asked the staff why this was happening. The answer I got back was that if you confront them, they get aggressive and violent, and when the police are called, they don’t turn up or they turn up hours later.”

In his question, Coun Anderson asked why, despite the presence of CCTV, offenders were not being arrested and prosecuted.

In response, Inspector Jacqueline Evans of the East Lindsey Neighbourhood Policing Team said officers had visited bakeries in the area, but none were aware of the specific incidents described.

She added that one of the bakeries referenced was currently closed for three weeks, meaning enquiries could not yet be completed there.

Inspector Evans said: “If anyone witnesses a crime being committed then they should notify the police.

"If we don’t know about it, we can’t take any action.

"If Councillor Anderson would like to pass further specific information on to me, I would encourage him to do so so that the team and I can follow it up directly with the shop.”

She added that police had recently seen “several good court results” for shoplifting cases, which have been published on force social media pages.

Coun Brookes raised a separate question about an apparent increase in begging in Skegness town centre, saying residents, visitors and local businesses had expressed growing concern.

“There has been a noticeable increase in people begging in Skegness town centre, with members of the public regularly being approached and asked for money,” he said.

He asked whether the activity was being actively monitored, what enforcement action was taken when behaviour became aggressive or anti-social, and whether any targeted operations or joint working arrangements were in place.

Inspector Evans said police are working alongside East Lindsey District Council and urged incidents to be reported so offenders can be identified.

She said: “Officers continue to conduct hotspot patrols and will robustly deal with any identified crimes.”

Inspector Evans also acknowledged that neighbourhood policing teams will see a temporary reduction in officer numbers, but stressed officers would continue to do their best.

“We need the support of the public and local businesses to assist us in tackling this issue,” she added.

The discussion follows growing concern from residents and businesses about crime, anti-social behaviour and visible begging in the resort, particularly during busy periods.

Members of the public were invited to attend Wednesday’s meeting at Tower Gardens Pavilion, where the issues were discussed alongside other items on the council’s agenda.