Plea to report incidents in Bourne and the Deepings to police, not just post on social media

A sergeant is warning if people don't report anti-social behaviour it is harder for police to crack down on crimes.

With social media being used more frequently to share messages or warnings people often post about smaller incidents instead of reporting them to the police.

Sergeant Emma Crisp, from Bourne and the Deepings neighbourhood policing, is urging people not to hesitate about contacting the police as it helps to ensure crimes are dealt with correctly.

"We can't monitor social media day in and day out," she said.

"When people post we don't always see it because we haven't got the staff."

Sgt Crisp added: "Should you see behaviour of an anti-social nature it must be reported to us.

"We can't do anything if we don't know.

"We would rather people ring 101 or report a crime online so it is logged and we can deal with it. That way when we set our priorities we can take that into account."

The sergeant encourages people to use the online reporting system as it can be quicker than phoning 101 but allows the same details to be reported.

The village of Aslackby is a current priority for the neighbourhood policing team following an increase in anti-social behaviour.

Officers are working with South Kesteven District Council to address the issues and recently held a meeting at the village church to hear residents' concerns.

"This came to light because of residents contacting us," she said.

She also offered re-assurance to people that just because there is a group gathering it is not always suspicious.

"As we move into better weather groups do naturally gather at the green spaces in Stamford, Bourne and The Deepings," said Sgt Crisp.

"Often there is a perception that because people are gathering, they are committing anti-social behaviour."