Lincolnshire Police Media Briefing For The Weekend To 0700 Monday 8th February 2010
THE DIVISIONAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICERS FOR WEST AND EAST ARE WORKING TODAY AND WILL CIRCULATE FURTHER BRIEFINGS FOR THEIR DIVISIONS LATER TODAY. JAMES FROM SOUTH DIVISION IS OFF UNTIL WEDNESDAY.
Voicebank - 0871 220 7791
Operation NOVA Launches Domestic Abuse Awareness Campaign - TODAY - Monday 8th February 2010
Domestic Abuse is a crime that cuts across all social, cultural and religious boundaries. It has far reaching consequences for victims, witnesses, their families and the wider community. Many victims are too scared to report the abuse and seek help. Operation NOVA - “say NO to Violence and Abuse” is launching a domestic abuse campaign on Monday 8th February, aimed at raising awareness across the county and encouraging victims to come forward. The campaign aims to highlight the issue in Lincolnshire, what support is available to victims and why they do not have to suffer in silence. Lincolnshire Police and its partner agencies invite you to the media launch of Operation NOVA’s Domestic Abuse campaign.
Come and hear first hand what it is like to be the victim of domestic abuse and why, for some, it can be impossible to make that call for help.
Media Launch / Facilities
The launch of the Op NOVA domestic abuse campaign is taking place at Lincolnshire Police Headquarters at Nettleham TODAY - Monday 8 February 2010 at 10.00am. The aim of the launch is to raise awareness, encouraging victims to report incidents and not suffer in silence.
Attendees will hear from a victim of domestic abuse, be provided with information packs including key statistics & support available for victims. They will also hear how the force and partner agencies signpost victims to the network of support available to them.
Attending the launch and available for interview will be [two/three] victims of domestic abuse. The victims cannot be named or identified in any media coverage of this event.
Also attending will be representatives from the partner agencies who provide the vital support for victims of domestic abuse, including Lincolnshire Police, an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor, Women’s Aid, Victim Support, Lincolnshire Criminal Justice Board and the County Domestic Abuse Coordinator (Lincolnshire County Council).
There will also be information on support for victims and witnesses and a press statement provided by the Crown Prosecution Service.
Tea, coffee and croissants will be available for all attendees.
For media enquiries or further details regarding the media launch, please contact HQ Media Services on 01522 558026.
If you are intending to attend the launch, we would appreciate it if you would let us know, so that we have an indication of numbers.
WEST DIVISION
For further information on incidents occurring on West Division please contact Suzannah Atkey on 01522 885306 or mobile: 07901 852937 or e-mail: suzannah.atkey@lincs.pnn.police.uk
Horsey Help For Gainsborough At Bransby Home
A relationship between a Gainsborough-based policing team and an equine charity has benefited both parties, as well as bringing fun opportunities to local youngsters. The Gainsborough Rural North Neighbourhood Policing Team and the Bransby Home of Rest for Horses have been working closely in a number of ways. They came together to arrange equestrian-themed activity days for young people from across the Gainsborough district in October half term last year. The events, which took place at the charity's base, in Bransby, near Saxilby, proved very popular. They gave 11-16 year-olds from Gainsborough, Scotter and the surrounding area the opportunity to take a guided tour of the farm and to meet the animals and interact with them - a rare treat for some of those present. About 30 youngsters took part, some of whom the Gainsborough Rural North Neighbourhood Policing Team meet regularly, others who were recommended by their teachers. The feedback was very positive with youngsters sending letters of thanks and expressing interest in attending future events. However, it is not just the younger generation who have enjoyed the chance to get close to horses and learn about their welfare. The Gainsborough Rural North Neighbourhood Policing Team - which consists of Community Beat Manager PC Lindsay Postles, PCSO Bill Thomas and PCSO Will Bonney - has also gained from the Bransby Home's guidance, learning how to rescue and handle horses in emergencies. The other policing teams for Gainsborough covering the areas of Lea and South West, The Uphills area and the Town Centre beat team have also attended and took part in training. The teams often have to deal with horses that are loose, and get close to horses that are not particularly used to being handled. It can be daunting to those with little experience of large animals. The Bransby Home's practical hands-on education in horse handling and management has greatly improved the teams' confidence in this area of their work. Officers have also been given head collars, lead ropes and feed by the Home to help 'catch' horses and keep them under control, and in return, they have given Bransby 'Caution - horses loose' police signs to use when horses are free on a road and pose a problem for vehicles. The Gainsborough Rural North team and Bransby are also, in partnership, looking at setting up a 'Horsewatch' scheme - a form of Neighbourhood Watch for the equestrian world. It will allow the reporting of suspicious activity around horses and help return stolen animals back to their rightful place, as well as including a tack-marking service for horse owners and riders. "We've got so much out of the help Bransby Home of Rest for Horses has provided and are delighted to be working so closely together," said PC Lindsay Postles, herself a horse-lover. "They've been brilliant, and the activity days for the children were great." PCSO Bill Thomas of the Gainsborough Rural North team visited the Bransby Home in November with other Gainsborough-based PCSOs. "We learnt how to approach, catch and handle horses, which is something we deal with regularly - horses get out, and you couldn't touch them without the proper handling skills," he said. "We found it really helpful as not many of us have handled large animals." Sally Howard, Bransby Home of Rest for Horses' Welfare Manager, said the charity is glad of the opportunity both to work with the police on the welfare of horses and to welcome the younger generation through their doors - the horse owners and riders of tomorrow. "A lot of it is about education. The activity days with the children contribute to a whole new generation of knowledgeable youngsters who might become involved with horses in later life," Sally said. Among the charity's horses, ponies and donkeys is 16.2hh, 19 year-old, ex-Greater Manchester Police horse, 'Fitz' - as in 'Fitz the Bill' - who came to the Home in November and, like all Bransby's animals, has a home there now for the rest of his life. Sally said: "Fitz is a wonderful horse, who loves being turned out in the field - having been used to policing football matches and the like he must be loving his more leisurely lifestyle." Apart from slight lameness, Fitz is a very healthy, happy horse - and the charity is pleased to be educating others and working with partners to try and ensure the same for all horses, as Sally explains. "We're happy to work together with police and to let the public know we are here to help. We want to work together to keep horses safe and well, to offer help to anyone who needs it and to remind them advice on all areas of horse care and ownership is always available," she said.
The Gainsborough Rural North Neighbourhood Policing Team is based at Gainsborough Police Station, Morton Road, Gainsborough - to get in touch, call 0300 111 0300 and ask for the Team or e-mail gainsboroughruralnorth.npt@lincs.pnn.police.uk <mailto:gainsboroughruralnorth.npt@lincs.pnn.police.uk>.
PHOTOGRAPHS - Photographs of the Gainsborough Rural North Neighbourhood Policing Team at the Bransby Home of Rest for Horses with the charity's welfare manager Sally Howard and 'Fitz' are available from Suzannah Atkey for media use.
Police station contact numbers for people with information:
- Lincoln Police Station - 01522 882222
- Sleaford Police Station - 01529 302420
- Gainsborough Police Station - 01427 810910
- Market Rasen Police Station - 01673 842212
- Bracebridge Heath Police Station 015522 805718
EAST DIVISION
For further information on incidents occurring on East Division, please contact Georgie Bates on 01754 614220 or mobile: 07789 920683 or e-mail: georgina.bates@lincs.pnn.police.uk
Boston Neighbourhood Policing Area
Burglary, Boston - Incident 224 of 4 February 2010
Police are appealing for information regarding a burglary carried out at an address in Cotton Road, Boston on Thursday, 4 February. The burglary was reported at 3.30pm and is thought to have been carried out some time that day. The kitchen window was insecure and entry gained by climbing through it. A set of keys were stolen. Police are appealing for any witnesses to suspicious activity or individuals in the area that day. Anyone with information should contact Boston Police Station on 01205 366222 quoting the above incident number or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Road Traffic Collision, Langrick - Update - Incident 10 of 4 February 2010
Police are continuing to investigate an incident in which a marked police car was rammed by a white van, causing it to fall into a twelve foot water-filled ditch. The incident happened around 1.00am in the early hours of Thursday 4 February on Armtree Road, Langrick. The white van was the subject of a routine stop search when the driver rammed the police vehicle twice before leaving the scene. The two officers in the police vehicle sustained whiplash, back and neck injuries and were taken to Boston Pilgrim Hospital for treatment and subsequently discharged. Five men - all local and aged between 19 and 42 - were arrested shortly after the incident and taken to Boston Police Station where they were interviewed. All five have been released on police bail pending further enquiries and will answer bail on 25 March.
Skegness Neighbourhood Policing Area
Burglaries, Skegness - Incidents 153 & 155 of 4 February 2010
Police are appealing for information regarding two burglaries carried out at flats at an address in Grosvenor Road, Skegness. One of the flats was entered between 10.30am and 11.00am on Thursday 4 February and the second was reported to have occurred overnight on Wednesday 3/ Thursday 4 February. Entry was gained to both flats by forcing the door and a mobile phone, IPOD and bank cards stolen. Police are appealing for any witnesses to suspicious activity or individuals in the area around the times stated. Anyone with information should contact Skegness Police Station on 01754 762222 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Burglary, Ingoldmells - Niche No. 3493
Police are appealing for witnesses to a burglary carried out at an address in Sea Lane, Ingoldmells between 8.00pm and 9.30pm on Wednesday 3 February. Entry was gained through an insecure door and a quantity of food stolen from the kitchen. Police are appealing for any witnesses to suspicious activity or individuals in the Sea Lane area of Ingoldmells. Anyone with information should contact Skegness Police Station on 01754 762222 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Louth & Mablethorpe Neighbourhood Policing Area
Attempted Burglary, Louth - Incident 412 of 4 February 2010
Police are appealing for witnesses to an attempted burglary carried out at Boots store in Eastgate, Louth around 10.55pm on Thursday night, 4 February. A window in the front door was smashed in an attempt to gain entry, but two men were then seen fleeing from the scene. No entry was gained into the store. Police are appealing to people in Louth town centre around 10.45pm to 11.00pm who witnessed the offence, or saw two men running from the store and getting into a vehicle which left at speed. Anyone with information should contact Louth Police Station on 01507 604744 quoting the above incident number or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Horncastle Neighbourhood Policing Area
Train Collision, Wainfleet
For any enquiries relating to the collision involving a Skegness-bound train with a woman at Wainfleet, please call the British Transport Police on 0207 267 6100.
Garage Burglary, Horncastle - Incident 61 of 4 February 2010
Police are appealing for any information regarding a garage burglary in which a bicycle was stolen. The burglary was carried out some time between Monday 1 February and Wednesday 3 February at an address in Mill Lane, Horncastle. Entry was gained to the insecure garage and a grey Claude Butler men’s bicycle was stolen. Police are appealing for any witnesses to suspicious activity in the area between the times stated, or any information regarding the whereabouts of the stolen bike. Anyone with information should contact Horncastle Police Station on 01507 523332 quoting the above incident number or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Serious Road Traffic Collision - A158 Thimbleby Road, Horncastle - Incident 113 of 6 February 2010
This collision took place at about 0810hrs on Saturday 6th February on the A158 just north of Horncastle. A white Ford Fiesta driven by a 40-year-old Horncastle man was in collision with a green Nissan Primera driven by a 32-year-old man from the Baumber area. The driver of the Fiesta suffered a serious head injury and was taken to Lincoln County Hospital (LCH), his condition last evening (Sunday) in hospital was described as serious but stable. The driver of the Nissan and his 24-year-old male passenger were also taken to LCH. the Nissan driver suffered whiplash neck injuries and the passenger damaged a hand. The road was closed until about 1215hrs. The investigating officers are seeking witnesses to the collision, anyone who saw the crash or who saw either car being driven prior to the incident is asked to contact the collision witness hotline 01522 558855 quoting this incident number.
Media Facilities
Lincolnshire’s Specials Out in Force for National Weekend
Lincolnshire’s Special Constabulary will be out in force this weekend, Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 February as part of the National Specials Weekend.
The aim of the nationwide event is to raise awareness of the vital work carried out by volunteer police officers and the ongoing contribution its members make to policing within their communities. This year, the theme of the weekend is roads policing initiatives. In Lincolnshire, this will mean that almost all our Special Constabulary officers will be carrying out enforcement and educational activity, aimed at enhancing the Force’s operational delivery. Lincolnshire Police currently has one hundred and fifty Special Constabulary officers spread across the three divisional areas. The Force is keen to increase this number to 250 by the end of this year by recruiting more local people to join up. Specials Constables are part of local Neighbourhood Policing Teams and voluntarily work alongside officers of the regular force with other experienced Specials. Training on appointment involves seven weekends at the Force Headquarters in Nettleham, followed by an ongoing training programme delivered on a local basis. “We’re really keen to encourage local people to get involved with policing their local community,” said Special Superintendent Steve Woodcock from Lincolnshire Police’s Special Constabulary based on East Division. “The national Specials weekend gives us the ideal opportunity to show the people of Lincolnshire what we do and how, by getting involved, they too can make a really positive difference,” S/Supt Woodcock continued. As a Special Constable in Lincolnshire volunteers will meet and work with people from a variety of backgrounds. They will face the challenges of day-to-day policing and learn much about human nature, enjoy the benefits that working as part of a professional team brings and increase their ability to cope with the unexpected. Becoming a volunteer police constable can assist in securing employment, as many employers will look favourably upon the highly trained and responsible voluntary role. To be eligible for appointment as a Special Constable, persons must be aged between 18 years old, be a British or Commonwealth citizen, of good character, and physically fit. S/Supt Woodcock continued, “As a Special Constable you’re able to serve the local community by working with Neighbourhood Policing Team colleagues to deliver local policing and focussing on local issues. This can be anything from enforcement activity, high visibility patrols to carrying out educational activity, such as speed checks and engaging with local residents to offer advice on crime prevention.” This year the focus for the national Specials weekend is roads policing. Across Lincolnshire volunteer police officers will carrying out checks on motorists’ speed, that seatbelts are being worn, mobile phone usage, driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs and driving uninsured or untaxed vehicles. The rewards are endless for anyone who is enthusiastic and feels they are ready for new challenges. One thing they can be assured of is that Lincolnshire Police will give them the best opportunity to be prepared for these new challenges.
Anyone interested in joining Lincolnshire Police’s Special Constabulary should contact the Force’s Recruitment Department on 01522 558235.
Media Facilities
The following media facilities have been set up at locations across East Division and S/Supt Steve Woodcock will be available for interview by calling his mobile phone - 07889 343877 - Please Note - This Not For Publication):
- Boston - Eastwood Road, Tattershall Road, Horncastle Road areas (Saturday afternoon, 6 February)
- Louth - Louth Town Centre (Saturday, 6 February, 9.00am to 11.00am and 7.00pm to 10.00pm)
- Holton Le Clay and surrounding villages (Saturday 6 February, 11.30am to 1.00pm)
- Louth, Utterby & North Thoresby (Sunday, 7 February 10.00am to 2.00pm)
SOUTH DIVISION
For further information on incidents occurring on South Division please contact HQ press office on 01522 558026 or media@lincs.pnn.police.uk - James is off until Wednesday.
Nothing of note to report
Police Station Numbers
- Grantham Police station: 01476 402222
- Spalding Police Station: 01775 722233
- Stamford Police Station: 01780 752222
- Bourne Police Station: 01778 394892
