Wolds Inspector is taking action and doesn’t want ASB incidents to blight Horncastle

It comes as there have been reports of further anti-social behaviour and criminal damage in Horncastle over the weekend.

Several town councillors have contacted The News –and Wolds NPT Inspector Sarah Constantine – regarding the matter.

Insp Constantine has confirmed that a meeting is in the pipeline to explain how the issue of ASB can be addressed going forward – with input from East Lindsey District Council.

Regarding police numbers, Councillor Dominic Hinkins said: “With regard to the continuing trend of antisocial behaviour and criminal damage at weekends, I question why Lincolnshire Police don’t have more officers on the beat at key times and in hotspots, to prevent criminal behaviour as it happens, rather than 
catching them once the damage is done.

“Sadly we know that tens of thousands of officers have been taken off our streets because of swingeing Government cuts to policing.

“Lincolnshire Police urgently need more resources so they can put more personnel very visibly on the streets of towns like Horncastle.”

Councillor Richard Barker says he has met with a PCSO to air his concerns, but added that he is unsure how ELDC can help with incidents of ASB/criminal damage.

He said: “Friday (August 21) was the fourth Friday that ASB has been heard in the town centre.

“There was criminal damage to my property, hanging baskets part destroyed, noise, shouting and swearing for at least an hour around the High Street and Lindsey Court and elsewhere, and of course, the boy racers around 9pm.

“There was not a police officer in sight. This is not good enough and needs to be nipped in the bud, before it gets out of hand.

“I am unclear how ELDC can help with ASB incidents of criminal damage and traffic offences set around ASB incidents.

“Are you saying the public should be reporting all ASB incidents to ELDC as well as Lincolnshire Police?”

Addressing Councillors, Insp Constantine said: “ELDC, are very much partners in dealing with ASB and we do work very closely together.

“It is not necessary to report incidents to Lincolnshire Police and ELDC, but it may be that some people prefer to report to the council, especially when there is not a criminal aspect to the ASB.

“We do meet regularly to discuss issues that impact on the community.

“I do think it will be useful if I can arrange a meeting with town councillors, the ASB officer from the Police for East Lindsey, PC Mark Johnson, and Chris Wesley from ELDC to explain how ASB is addressed and dealt with locally and nationally.

“We are looking to do some community drop-in days with partners, and street surgeries but everything had to be put on hold due to COVID-19.

“The town centre does remain on my daily tasking for patrols and will continue to do so whilst there are issues in the town.

“I am aware there was some disruption on Friday night in the town, this was not ASB but may have impacted on the community and you will be pleased to know that arrests were made in relation to this.

“I would be very grateful if you can encourage people to report the concerns and issues they experience

“There will always be those elements in the town that cause a problem and we do need to stick together to try and address those individuals who are the problem.

“My team and I are grateful for your support in doing this.

“It really does make a big difference coming to work knowing that we actually are supported and appreciated.

“As I have said there have literally been hundreds of officer hours gone into dealing with the issues, I would love more resources but it all comes down to funding at the end of the day.

“However I am very fortunate to have a team who are dedicated to making a difference and who to care about the local community, and I want to keep those officers in my team.

“We will continue to keep working on the problems as they arise, often they are more complex and need other support and agencies to address the underlying issues to stop them coming back and reduce the impact on everyone else.

“If there is something you want to know about local policing, I will always try to work with you.

“Horncastle is a nice town and still has a very low crime and ASB rate in comparison to other towns of a similar size in Lincolnshire and across the country.”