Anti-social behaviour hot-spots to get a boost with increased regular police patrols in neighbourhoods

FURTHER £1M FOR MORE SPECIALIST ASB OFFICERS AND COMMUNITY WARDENS PATROLLING THE STREETS

- BY LAYCIE BECK [e-mail]

THE force has announced more police patrols for 28 anti-social behaviour hotspots across Lincolnshire.

Following the successful pilot scheme last year of the Hotspot Patrolling initiative, a further £1,000,000 will be spent on the patrols.

These patrols will help Lincolnshire Police tackle anti-social behaviour across the county, with the current 12 areas being increased to 28 areas across nine locations.

These will include Lincoln, Boston, Gainsborough, Grantham, Louth, Skegness, Sleaford, Stamford and Mablethorpe.

The cash was secured from the Home Office by Lincolnshire's Police and Crime Commissioner, Marc Jones. The force said areas without designated hotspots will continue to receive regular neighbourhood patrols.

Additionally, the Spalding Neighbourhood Board (formerly known as the Towns Fund) has decided to create a Hotspot Policing initiative of their own to improve safety and security in the town centre.

Last year, 6,337 patrol hours were carried out through the scheme, resulting in 116 arrests, 69 stop-and-searches, and 72 ASB powers. It has also been found that people are more likely to report an incident if they see an officer out on patrol.

The patrols will be delivered in partnership with Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue's Arson Task Force team, and district councils, including the use of Community Wardens and Public Protection ASB officers.

The initiative has highlighted broader advantages of relationship building and intelligence gathering, as more people are likely to report an incident if they see an officer out on patrol.