Keeping our county safe over the festive period

With the holidays nearly upon us, we are wishing Lincolnshire a happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year.

While you open your Christmas presents, we will be your Christmas presence. As ever, we will be here round the clock, every day, keeping the county safe.   

Busy times are ahead for the nighttime economy and we have plans in place, including additional patrols, to prevent crime and disorder.

Superintendent Lee St Quinton, Head of Prevention said: “Pubs, bars and restaurants will of course be busier than usual as friends, families and work colleagues meet up to celebrate Christmas and New Year. We are reminding people to do this sensibly and take responsibility for your alcohol intake and your actions. As is the case throughout the year, we will not tolerate disorder or violence from a minority. We will be working with pubs and partners so that everyone is able to enjoy the festive season safely.”

Chief Insp Gareth Boxall is coordinating policing of the city centre with a focus on the busy nights over this weekend, Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. He said: “We will have an increased number of officers on duty during the afternoon, evening and night time and will be assisted by our own Special Constabulary officers. We will be working with British Transport Police, City of Lincoln Council, Lincoln Street Pastors and others to ensure the city is safe.”

Pictured above - Chief Insp Boxall 

“One punch – that’s all it took to destroy my son’s life.” These are the words of heartbroken mother, Maxine Thompson-Curl, whose son died after being punched in the head while on a night out. Kristian Thompson sustained a catastrophic brain injury after the one punch attack, which happened in Consett in September 2010. He died ten months later on July 10, 2011, aged 19. Since then, Maxine has campaigned to raise awareness about the devastating impact drink-fuelled violence can have through the One Punch Can Kill campaign which spells out the fact that a single blow can be potentially fatal and in many such cases, alcohol is involved. We will be promoting the key message of the campaign to stop, think and walk away.  

December drink and drug driving campaign - Op Limit   

Alongside looking after our city and town centres, we will also be working to keep our roads safe with zero tolerance for drivers above the legal limit for alcohol and drugs. Our December drink/drug drive campaign launched on 2 December and continues with check points at key locations. So far this month, 61 people have been arrested on suspicion of drink or drug driving related offences. We are advising anyone out drinking to make sure they have a safe journey home planned. That includes not getting behind the wheel if you are unfit to drive and not getting in a car with a driver who is over the limit.  

Domestic abuse 

Sadly, Christmas is not a time of peace and joy for all, and we are planning for and anticipating a rise in the number of reports of domestic abuse over the coming weeks. Based on figures over the last three full calendar years (2021-2023 inclusive) reports of domestic abuse increased by 2% in December when compared to the rest of the year. Taking out the summer months, when we also see a peak in figures, December reports increased by 5% when compared to the rest of the year. In view of this, we will continue to highlight vital messages of advice, help and support for those affected.  

Lincolnshire Police lead for domestic abuse, Detective Chief Inspector Rachael Cox said, “Christmas can be a time of extra stress and increased time with family. This means that those people enduring abusive behaviour may be dreading the holidays, in fear that the abuse may escalate at any time. We want to reach those people with the message that we are here for you, but regardless of if you chose to report to us, there is help and support available.”

Help and support for domestic abuse:

• LDASS offer information, advice and where eligible, specialist intervention support. You can make an online self-referral, or call 01522 510041 (office hours).    
• If you have concerns that a partner or ex is abusive, you can ask us under Clare’s Law if there is information that we hold that means they may be a risk to you. This is also called the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme. You can ask for yourself or someone else you are worried about.
• Safe Spaces are consultation rooms you can use to find out about your options and the support available. They are there to give you sanctuary, away from the prying eyes of your abuser. Safe Spaces are available in pharmacies including Boots, Coop, Morrisons and Superdrug and also at certain banks.  
• The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is always open: 0808 2000 247
• We are always open: call us on 101 or 999 if it’s an emergency.  
• Find more support organisations for domestic abuse.