Boston’s Neighbourhood Policing Team: Supporting Communities

As part of Neighbourhood Policing Week, we’re shining a light on the work of our Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPTs) across Boston and the surrounding areas, and the difference they continue to make in keeping our communities safe.

NPT officers and PCSOs are at the heart of local policing, working day in and day out to tackle crime, support investigations and build strong relationships within the community.

Supporting investigations through community engagement

Neighbourhood PCs and PCSOs play a vital role in engaging with all communities, often providing crucial support to wider investigations led by CID and other specialist teams.

NPTs help carry out extensive local inquiries to assist with investigations, knocking on doors, collecting CCTV, engaging with our community. Through their direct conversations and outreach, they often ensure investigations can extend to more difficult to reach members of the community who are not on social media.

Bringing offenders to justice

Neighbourhood teams also play a key role in supporting criminal investigations and bringing offenders before the courts.

This was demonstrated through the recent sentencing of a man and his partner following a series of burglaries across Boston and surrounding areas. Throughout February, NPT officers carried out extensive house-to-house enquiries across multiple locations, speaking with residents and gathering vital information that contributed to building the case.

Their persistent and thorough approach helped ensure those responsible were brought to justice.

Tackling anti-social behaviour and serious harm

NPTs are central to tackling ongoing anti-social behaviour and crime at a local level, particularly through the use of closure orders under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

Working closely with partner agencies, neighbourhood officers gather and compile detailed evidence to support court applications. This includes:

• Comprehensive incident logs
• Police reports and witness statements
• Body-worn video footage
• Intelligence reports
• Community impact statements from residents

They also work directly with local authorities, housing providers and other partners to build strong, joint cases, often providing an officer-in-case to present evidence in court.

A recent example saw a closure order granted on a property on Taverner Road, which had been linked to drug-related activity and persistent anti-social behaviour. The extensive work and evidence gathering of Community Beat Manager, PC Pratt and colleagues meant that a closure order was secured on the property following a drugs warrant undertaken by CID colleagues, helping to safeguard the community and prevent further harm.

A visible and trusted presence

Neighbourhood Policing Teams are more than just responders - they are a visible and trusted presence within the community. Through daily patrols, engagement and early intervention, they help prevent issues from escalating and ensure residents feel heard and supported. The concerns raised to them and the information they collate often forms the basis of longer-term problem-solving investigations that can be carried out by CID, Protecting Vulnerable People, and Serious and Organised Crime Unit colleagues.

Recognising their impact

Neighbourhood Policing Week is an opportunity to recognise the dedication, professionalism, and commitment of officers and PCSOs who work tirelessly to protect our communities.

From supporting complex investigations and disrupting criminal activity to listening to residents and working in partnership, their contribution is invaluable.

Together, we are continuing to build safer, stronger communities across Boston and beyond.

Make a difference

Police Constable recruitment is still open, you can make a difference here: https://www.lincs.police.uk/police-forces/lincolnshire-police/areas/careers/join-us/