Warnings issued to youths during police operation in Skegness

Youths were issued anti-social behaviour warnings during Operation California in Skegness.

Operation California returned to Skegness ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend as part of Lincolnshire Police's aim to prevent violence, anti-social behaviour and to tackle drugs.

The multiagency operation on Friday evening saw officers and staff from other agencies such as East Lindsey District Council carrying out searches at more than 20 bars and pubs in Skegness, Ingoldmells and Chapel St Leonards.

It was supported by a drugs detection dog from the RAF Police which led to the arrest of a man arrest after cannabis was located in a car. He has been released under investigation.

Several youths were escalated through the anti social behaviour process by colleagues from East Lindsey District Council.

ELDC will now serve unsatisfactory behaviour warning letters to make them aware that their conduct could lead to criminal charges if they continue.

Itemiser drug testing was carried out on visitors and police are pleased to say there were no positive tests from any of those tested.

Coast Inspector Colin Haigh said: “The operation was overwhelmingly well received by the public and licensees. We would like to thank everyone for their support.

"Operation California is a multi-agency preventative operation designed to ensure that the Coast area is a safe place to live, work and visit.

“We have a particular focus on making the Coast area inhospitable for drug dealers and users but we also target a full spectrum of offences, such as violent crime and ASB as well as lower level offences of littering and public urination and begging.

“By working with our partners, we can ensure that people who need treatment for substance misuse issues can be directed towards the appropriate services.

“We work with our partners to ensure that everyone can enjoy our coastal resorts without being caught up in or witnessing criminal offences. Lincolnshire is a very safe county and we want to keep it that way.”

Police will continue to carry out these random checks throughout the summer.

To report a non urgent crime, call us on 101. Always call 999 for a crime in progress.

Police swoop on Skegness coast in special operation to drive out drugs