A dedicated operation to tackle anti-social behaviour and crime in Spalding town centre in the run-up to Christmas has been hailed a success.
Officers conducted hours of foot and bicycle patrols between December 1 and 24 as part of Operation Washer, aimed at making the town a safe and enjoyable place to live, shop, work and socialise.
Community inspector Jim Tyner said he and his officers had received really positive feedback about the operation and revealed that several people had been arrested or dealt with by other means after a number of incidents.
From December 1 to 24, Operation Washer resulted in:
- 281 hours foot patrol and 41 hours cycle patrol
- 28 street drinkers dealt with / alcohol seizures
- One shoplifters arrested
- One shoplifter dealt with by fixed penalty
- One person arrested for breaching dispersal notice
- Five other arrests
- One cannabis warning
- Three dispersal notices issued
- 15 stop/searches
- Five motorists warned for breaching pedestrianized area of Market Place
- 30 cyclists warned. Three cyclists received fixed penalty notices
Insp Tyner said: “Throughout the duration of the operation, we received really positive feedback from local businesses, traders and shoppers.
“My officers will continue to patrol the town centre area but, as the focus will be scaled back, it is important that the public calls 101 to report issues so I can ensure that patrols are directed to the right areas.
“Whilst there may be uncertainty about what the future brings in terms of resources, I welcome 2015 committed to making sure South Holland remains a safe and happy place to live”.
