Parking illegally, dropping litter and carrying drugs – all crimes that have been dealt with by partners during a joint operation in Grimsby town centre.
Humberside Police, North East Lincolnshire Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) team, Waste Investigations Support & Enforcement (WISE) and officers from parking enforcement have been working together to combat various issues to make the centre a welcoming and safe space for residents and visitors.
Across a three-day period, they issued numerous fines; stopped multiple drugs from being sold into the community and played their part in the arrest of two men.
Whilst there has been a heightened presence in recent days, it is nothing out of the ordinary. Officers and teams have been undoubtedly more visible but have simply been carrying out their day jobs. Their work will continue in the following days, weeks and months as the two strive to stamp out crime and ASB.
Across the three days, there were several positive results including:
- 26 x Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) issued for breaches of the Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs)
- 22 x Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued for parking offences
- 8 x stop searches conducted under the Misuse of Drugs Act
- 1 x Community Resolution for possession of Class B drugs
- 3 x breach of a Community Protection Notice with one issued an FPN for breaching
- 1 x PSPO dispersal issued
- 1 x person reported to court for shop theft.
Aside from fines and warnings, Humberside Police also carried out multiple arrests:
- 1 x male arrested, charged and remanded in custody for being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, and possession of an offensive weapon.
- 1 x arrest for Possession with Intent to Supply Class A and Class B drugs
- 1 x Male arrested, charged and remanded in custody for Possession with Intent to Supply Class C drugs, Affray, and Possession of Offensive Weapons.
- 1 x arrest for shop theft.
- 2 x arrests for assault.
- 1 x arrest for resisting arrest
The warnings mentioned, Community Protection Warnings (CPWs); Community Protection Notices (CPNs) and Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) dispersal orders can mean a range of things.
A dispersal order is the first step used by authorities to reduce ASB. These are given by the Council and mean the offender can’t return to an area for a period of 24 hours.
However, if their behaviour continues, the police can give the person a CPW which warns them that they must stop certain behaviour. This can then be escalated to a CPN which legally orders a person to stop causing ASB.
In North East Lincolnshire, certain CPNs, like those issued during this operation, also prevent offenders from returning to a specific area – in this case, Grimsby town centre.
Should they return or continue with the behaviour within the space of six months, the individual can be given a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) or fine with continuing behaviour leading to a court prosecution.
Councillor Oliver Freeston, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “These results are staggering. The work by Humberside Police and Council officers is brilliant.
“People come to Grimsby town centre to shop, spend time with friends and much more – not to be surrounded by crime.
“If you’re found to be breaking any form of law, we will not hesitate to do what we can to stop you – not just in Grimsby, but across the whole of the borough.”
A spokesperson from Humberside Police, added: “Operation Mastery continues to be a great success in reducing crime and anti social behaviour across Grimsby Town Centre as a result of strong partnerships from local businesses to community groups and charities.
“The focus of the teams is centred on proactive policing, community engagement, and providing visible reassurance to residents, and they continue to work closely with the community to ensure that all areas of the town centre remain safe, with a particular focus on tackling youth crime, protecting vulnerable people, and improving the town’s overall environment.
“These numbers show that what we are doing is working, and our work will not stop here.
“I would always encourage anyone with any concerns about crime in your area, to please speak to the teams when you see them out and about. They are there to provide reassurance and answer questions, and whilst you may not always see immediate action, please know that your information may just be the missing piece of the puzzle that’s needed to allow us to take action and put offenders before the courts.”
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