Op California – the latest on the coast

Spot checks have been carried out this week to see whether pubs, clubs and shops on the coast were correctly “challenging 25” and checking patrons for drug use.

Two premises in Chapel St Leonard's which did not properly challenge the person attempting to buy alcohol will be further investigated as part of our ongoing patrols and proactive work for Op California.

Officers on patrol also proactively visited premises along the coast to carry out their own ID checks on patrons during the GCSE results day, and nobody under the age of 18 was found – a result we are delighted with.

Later that day, the ‘drugs itemiser’ – a machine which detects any residue of drugs on people and surfaces – was used at Buster’s in Skegness. A total of 150 people had their hands swabbed as a condition of entry by the venue, and three people indicated a high reading for cocaine, which showed they may had been in close proximity to the controlled drug. They were stopped and searched, and no drugs were found.

The checks were part of Op California, a multiagency operation to prevent violence, anti-social behaviour and to tackle drugs in Skegness, Ingoldmells and Mablethorpe. The operation includes police, East Lindsey District Council, and the drug, alcohol and mental health charity, With You. 

They are carried out alongside other operational activity and foot and vehicle patrols, as well as monitoring of CCTV cameras.

The message is clear: we’re here to keep you safe.

PC Billy Spence said: "We couldn’t be happier with how this is going – no results are good results for us! The venues have all been very receptive, particularly Buster’s which is deploying the itemiser at the point of entry to ensure that its customers are complying with the law.

"This kind of engagement from venues sends a clear message that drugs will not be tolerated, and hopefully deters people from taking illegal substances because they will realise they can’t go out for a night as planned. It also provides reassurance from those venturing out that we are doing everything we can to ensure people feel safe."

To report any concerns or a crime, call 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.

This was one of many targeted operations across the coast which forms part of our Summertime Policing Plan Summertime Policing | Lincolnshire Police (lincs.police.uk)