Lincolnshire Residents Relieved Following Arrests in Operation Stronghold
In the Lincolnshire town of Gainsborough, residents have voiced their relief following the arrest of ten individuals in a coordinated police operation. Lincolnshire Police executed three search warrants on King Street as part their Operation Stronghold on Tuesday, September 19.
Arrest Details
Six individuals were apprehended on suspicion of Class-A drugs possession, while four others were arrested for offences related to grievous bodily harm and driving under the influence of drugs. Additionally, several vehicles were also stopped, with five seized and six drivers being penalised for traffic offences, including operating without a license and mobile phone usage while driving.
Residents Reaction
Local resident Kerry Shattell, a nine-year dweller on nearby Portland Terrace, described the situation with nonchalance, "I knew that there'd been this raid but I wasn't worried about it. This sort of thing happens everywhere, doesn't it?" Kerry Shattell commented that while the area is generally quiet, she leads a solitary lifestyle.
Elle Goodge, another resident of Portland Terrace, shared her sentiments, stating that she has grown accustomed to police presence in the area. She added, "It's a relief to hear the police have been. They took their time but it's still good that they're out and doing something about it." Elle, however, opined that the area's condition has declined over time.
A local resident, preferring anonymity, concurred, stating: "It would be much worse if the police did nothing. It's not nice hearing about it happening on your street but the police are doing something, so that's reassuring."
Police Comments
PC Lindsay Postles, community beat manager for the southwest ward in Gainsborough, described the operation as a 'positive step forward', but stated that there is more work to be done to tackle the issues. "There is more work to be done to ensure the issues do not resurface and we will carry on working with our community and partners to address the broader concerns," she said. PC Postles noted that the intention behind Operation Stronghold was to address the concerns of local residents engendered by drug dealing and anti-social behaviours.