Operation California launched in Louth

Operation California has been launched in Louth as part of our force’s aim to prevent violence, anti-social behaviour and to tackle drugs

Our first operation in the town saw eight individuals searched at licensed premises on the evening of Saturday, 28 October after they failed a drugs itemiser test.

The testing was carried out on individuals by officers using a ‘optimiser' tool to detect any residue of drugs on people. It is also used to detect drugs on surfaces.

The multiagency operation including East Lindsey District Council was carried out by our Neighbourhood Policing Team and licensing in collaboration with several licensed premises.

Of the eight people tested on the evening, one man, aged 19, was found to be in possession of Class A drugs and will be voluntarily interviewed at a later date. The other seven people were refused entry to the premises.

 

Sergeant Kelly Palmer said: “This operation comes of the back of the same operation that takes place in Skegness. We have had some very successful results and decided to extend it to Louth.

“Operation California is a multi-agency preventative operation designed to ensure that the Coast area is a safe place to live, work and visit.

“We have a particular focus on making this area inhospitable for drug dealers and users but we also target a full spectrum of offences, such as violent crime and ASB as well as lower level offences of littering and public urination and begging.

“By working with our partners, we can ensure that people who need treatment for substance misuse issues can be directed towards the appropriate services.

“We work with our partners to ensure that everyone can enjoy our coastal resorts without being caught up in or witnessing criminal offences. Lincolnshire is a very safe county, and we want to keep it that way.

“We will continue to run Operation California on a regular basis and work with businesses in the town.

“We would like to thank everyone for this support with this operation.”

Anyone who has any concerns can report those by calling 101, and 999 in an emergency.