Volunteers welcome South Holland Police Patrols around Spalding reserve

Volunteers have welcomed the return of police patrols around a popular nature reserve following a series of issues with vandalism.

South Holland Police has joined forces with volunteers to patrol Vernatt’s Nature Reserve, which is on the outskirts of Spalding and Pinchbeck, in a bid to help curb recent problems.

Vernatt’s Volunteers have given up thousands of hours to create a haven for wildlife and families but their enthusiasm had been dented after idiots had spray painted several trees along with a path.

Pete Boekestyn, one of the volunteers, had grown so tired of the ‘constant battle with vandalism’ that he was thinking of giving up - but is pleased with the response from police and South Holland District Council, which owns the site.

He said: “I do think the patrols will make a big difference.

“We don’t feel so alone down there.

“If we get more of a police presence there and the trouble makers know there is a bigger chance of getting caught.”

The volunteers are also due to have a meeting with South Holland District Council in the coming weeks.

South Holland Police have been appealing for people to report issues with vandalism.

A Facebook post stated: “We have been jointly patrolling Vernatts Nature Reserve with volunteers trying to identify specific areas of anti-social behaviour. This is a wonderful area and want to ensure the dedication put in by the volunteers is not destroyed by harmful anti social behaviour.

“On our patrols, we located drug paraphernalia. Please report any localised issues in Spalding Rural North/South areas for the attention of PC Laura Richardson who is the designated Community Beat Manager.”