Lincolnshire Police to step up ASB foot patrols in Stamford, Grantham, Lincoln, Boston, Sleaford, Louth, Skegness and Mablethorpe

Patrols to tackle anti-social behaviour are to be expanded in county towns after Lincolnshire Police secured an extra £1 million in funding.

The Home Office cash, secured by Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Marc Jones, will be used to continue funding the Hotspot Patrolling initiative for 2025-2026 following a successful pilot scheme in 2024.

Coverage will be increased from 12 areas to 28 across nine locations - Stamford, Grantham, Lincoln, Sleaford, Boston, Louth, Skegness, Mablethorpe and Gainsborough.

Stamford and Grantham have been introduced this year.

Spalding Neighbourhood Board (formerly known as the Towns Fund) is to pilot and fund a Hotspot Policing initiative of their own to provide better safety and security within the town centre where ASB is a particular concern.

Areas without designated hotspots will continue to receive regular neighbourhood patrols.

The force says the impact of patrols has been received largely positively by residents, business owners and police officers.

From a total of 6,337 patrol hours last year, 116 arrests were made, while 169 stop and searches, and 72 ASB powers were carried out.

They say the initiative has also allowed for better relationship building and intelligence gathering, with more people likely to report an incident if they see an officer on patrol.

Foot patrols are also said to make the public feel safer.

The patrols will continue to be delivered in partnership with Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue’s Arson Task Force team, and district councils to include the use of community wardens and public protection ASB officers.