Hot spot policing in Spalding is to end due to a lack of resources, but the group that funds it says it is looking at other options to ‘build on it’.
The Spalding Town Board has praised the effects of the extra patrols it paid for, but when it came to potentially renewing them, it says it is ‘not currently an option for continuation due to capacity constraints’.
It reportedly includes four officers being moved from Spalding.
A spokesman for the Spalding Town Board, the group that has been set up to spend £20m of Pride in Place funding over the next 10 years, said: “At its meeting on March 2, board members reflected on the impact of the two pilots which ran between April 2025 and January 2026, resulting in some key outcomes for the town.
“This included increased feelings of safety amongst local people, lower levels of anti-social behaviour in the Public Spaces Protection Order zone, and increased levels of engagement between the police, public, and local businesses. Overall the schemes were found to have acted as a deterrent.
“With the evidence indicating the benefits of the £68k funding for the pilot, the Board is now carrying out work to research and identify the most effective model for continued investment in safety and security in the town.
“A working group has been set up, bringing together board members, officers, and partners, which is working at pace to identify an alternative plan that will maintain momentum and the gains made on anti-social behaviour through the pilots.
“A decision will be made at the board meeting in April. This work is being carried out a hotspot policing is not currently an option for continuation due to capacity constraints.”
The hot-spot policing involved a pot of money to offer police overtime
Robin Hancox, chair, Spalding Town Board said: “On behalf of the board, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner and Lincolnshire Police for the impact they have made through the hotspot policing pilot schemes.
“We know from the public that feeling safe and secure in the town is vital and that is why we have, and will continue to, prioritise funding in this area.
“We are exploring new options which will build on what has been achieved, and which will offer us longer-term solutions.
“We look forward to developing our approach and we will keep the public informed as our plans progress.”
Councillor Nick Worth, leader, South Holland District Council said: “Ensuring that Spalding is a safe and welcoming place for our residents, businesses and visitors remains one of our top priorities.
“The hotspot policing pilots have clearly shown the value of targeted action and close partnership working, and we are determined not to lose that momentum.
“I am pleased that the board has decided to continue to invest in safety and security, reflecting the strength of feeling we hear from our communities, and we will continue to work with them and our partners to develop longterm, sustainable solutions that benefit the town and those who live, work and visit here.”
Marc Jones, Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner commented: “The town board is doing significant work to improve the lives of businesses and residents in Spalding and I fully support their efforts.
“When the new working group has completed its work I will be very happy to see what my office can do to assist any new endeavours.
*Further details of plans will be shared by the board in due course, as details evolve
and are confirmed.”
