Wolds Inspector: ‘We have taken action where we can’

In a statement to Horncastle residents, Insp Constantine also gave an insight into how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected policing - both on a local and national scale.

She said: “I am very aware that the reports of ASB in Horncastle town centre are of concern to the local residents in Horncastle, and your local neighbourhood police team share in those concerns.

“The actions of a few individuals in Horncastle have a massive impact on the rest of the community and it is difficult to understand why those individuals have no respect for the rest of their community.

“This is not just an issue that is unique to Horncastle, 
it can be seen throughout the rest of our county and the country, and being in lockdown has made things harder for everyone to get support or live in harmony with their neighbours.

“ASB is not easy to resolve at the best of times, and there are no quick fixes - quick fixes by the police do not tackle the underlying causes of ASB.

“The local police team - which is a small but very dedicated team - is working very hard to deal with those that harm our town and community, but the police are only a small part of a bigger criminal justice system which the community are also part of.

“So whilst we are busy gathering evidence to target those offenders, making arrests where necessary - given that some matters can be dealt with more quickly without the need to take somebody into custody - working with partner agencies and organisations utilising all available powers to combat the behaviour, we do need your support.

“All of this work takes time, and I can assure you that the recent issues have been, within my team, our number one priority and we have invested literally hundreds of hours and resources trying to deal with this issue.

“We have taken action where we can and passed everything that the community has been telling us to those partner agencies and submitted all that information so that those people can be dealt with through the criminal justice system or by utilising ASB powers.

“The Covid pandemic has and continues to have a massive impact on how we police, but more importantly what happens to those individuals after they have been dealt with by us and charged.

“These really are unique times and unique challenges that face all of us, but our rights and processes remain even if they take time. We have a duty to gather as much evidence and information to ensure that a fair trial can take place and that this is also safe for everyone that we deal and work with.

“The courts, CPS, defence solicitors, partner agencies and the police have all had to adapt how we work to avoid spreading Covid.

“It has been challenging for all of us to find solutions that work to carry on our normal business, an example of which was discussed in the recent town council meeting.

“This is replicated with all of our partner work such as the safeguarding meetings we attend to protect vulnerable children, and housing/local authority partners where we work to reduce ASB.

“I am grateful to those in the community that have taken the time to report matters to us that concern them, every bit of information or report does help us know where we need to be and bid for resources to tackle those issues.

“If things are not reported then those resources are sent to other areas where there is the greatest demand.

“The information you provide to us helps us to understand what those underlying issues are.

“If we can better understand this then we can look at the causes and take measures working with partners and the community to reduce the causes rather than just dealing with the crimes and ASB, because by that time there has already been an impact on other members of our society and demand is placed on your local police, taking them away from other vital work.

“We have been saying throughout this pandemic ‘We are all in it together’.

“Well, we are all in together and we continue to be in it together over the coming months and years which will no doubt be challenging for all of us.

“Please continue to support your local police team by reporting the concerns you have to us, this can be done via 101, online reporting, Crimestoppers, or 999 if this is an emergency.

“The local police team can also be contacted by email or directly but, of course, they are not always on duty, or may be dealing with other matters.

“Some of the incidents your local team have dealt with over the last week include; fatal road accidents, high risk missing persons, dealing with vulnerable children and adults who are at risk of exploitation, high risk vulnerable adults who require support, partnership working to safeguard those in our communities, neighbour disputes, follow up on crimes to assist colleagues with investigation, dealing with mental health episodes, visiting concerned members of the public, crime reduction advice, submitting information that the community provide us to target county lines drug supply, dealing with crime, concerns over speeding and road safety, speed enforcement, dealing with breaches of Covid guidelines and a multitude of other matters.

“So, whilst we would like to have someone from our local team to respond when you call, if you do go through the 101 system or online reporting it will get to the team, we really do want to hear from you.

“We normally try and have face-to-face engagements with the public especially when there are complex ASB issues, but as you can imagine it has simply not been safe over the last few difficult months to do so.

“We are hoping to resume a more visible way of engaging with you now that lockdown has eased.

“But, of course, we have to carefully consider each engagement that takes place as we all need to be safe.

“The demand on police is constant and like nothing that has ever been seen in policing history.

“We are always looking for more volunteers - information about joining the specials is available on our internet site.

“So for those of you out there that are interested in making a difference in your community, getting a better understanding of the challenges facing us all and for those who meet the criteria to join, we would love to welcome you to the team.

“We really do appreciate the support that you give us, Horncastle is a lovely place to be and we want to keep it that way. Take care and please stay safe.”