We’re doing everything we can pledge town police

There has been growing concern about the number of incidents during the last few months.

Property has been damaged, there have been several instances involving arson and a man has been charged with assaulting an officer. Residents have also expressed concerns about drugs issues .

Wolds Division Inspector Sarah Constantine and newly appointed Neighbourhood Sergeant Andrew Burtenshaw attended last Tuesday’s ‘virtual’ town council meeting.

Sgt Burtenshaw outlined a series of offences police had, or were still investigating.

He told councillors several arrests had been made with the likelihood of more to follow.

He added a number of Community Protection Notices had been handed out and confirmed officers were working alongside partner agencies.

Questioned by councillors, Sgt Burtenshaw stressed everything possible was being done.

He and Insp Constantine said they wanted to reassure residents Horncastle was ‘still a safe place’.

Sgt Burtenshaw revealed the planned recruitment of another sergeant meant he would focus on Horncastle, rather than his current dual role with Louth.

He said the recent appointment of another PC had strengthened the local team.

Sgt Burtenshaw highlighted areas where ASB was a problem, including the Bull Ring.

Coun Alan Lockwood, who has been critical of the police in recent weeks, welcomed the extra patrols and the comments about arrests, but said he was concerned officers were still not patrolling at night when most offences occurred.

Sgt Burtenshaw countered: “We have increased patrols and the number of officers on duty at specific times. That has meant changing shift patterns. We have also brought in officers from other areas.”

Insp Constantine said it was important residents reported crimes because ‘some councillors’ had publicly raised issues police were not aware of.

Coun Brian Burbidge and Mayor Coun Fiona Martin both praised police for their efforts to reduce crime.