'We can make difference together,' says Skegness' new inspector

T/Insp David Webb is just weeks into the job having stepped into the shoes of T/Insp Matt Bennison, who has now joined the response team - but it's a patch he knows well.

"It is no secret that Lincolnshire Police has limited resources and the coastal area Skegness Police cover is vast.," he said.

"That's why it is so important that the public tell us when crime happens and what their concerns are."

Having joined Lincolnshire.Police in Lincoln, where he grew up, in 2003, he joined Skegness Police in 2007, moving to the resort with his teacher wife, Emma, in 2008.

During his career he has moved up the ranks from Police Constable, spending time with the response team, working in CID, as Detective Constable, and spending a period as Det Sgt in the Intelligence Unit at Boston.

Before his job brought him back to Skegness, he also spent a time as T/Det Insp at Boston.

"Each department has its own priorities and when you are working with limited resources it pays to understand them," he explained.

In spite of the challenges of policing an area with a soaring population during the summer season, there have been notable successes - including the police cracking an operation supplying heroin from Leicester to the streets of Skegness , which saw six people jailed last month.

"It was good news to get these criminals off the streets," said T/Insp Webb.

"However, in a place like Skegness there will always be drugs and we are working hard with partners, including pubs and clubs to deter dealers.

"We know where the hotspots are and police them as much as possible, but this is especially where the public can help.

"If crimes are not reported and logged it is hard to argue for the resources we need to deal with them."

It is hoped these will improve when Skegness gets a share of the 50 new police officers promised to Lincolnshire by the Government.

"There is no doubt we are under pressure. Nationally crime is up - but in comparison with other places this is still a low crime area," said Insp Webb.

"Mental health is a huge problem here, with a lot of our officer's time spent dealing with domestic incidents.

"But crime is also changing - with cyber crime and cold calling targeting the vulnerable by trying to get hold of the bank accounts a growing concern.

"People may say they never see a police officer but a lot of work is done behind the scenes on catching these criminals - it's not something you can do walking the beat."

In spite of the pressures, Skegness Police still find time to work in the community, visiting schools and supporting projects such as the Mini Police.

"Crime prevention and engaging with the community are still an important part of our work and will remain so, " said T/Insp Webb. "I am also delighted to have been invited to sit on the committee which will decide how best to spend the £25 million awarded by the Government Stronger Towns Fund.

"Helping to make the area the best it can be is important to me because my two sons are growing up here. I am proud to be given the opportunity to make a difference."