Lincolnshire Police to Expand Safety Measures in Skegness in 2024
The Lincolnshire Police have announced plans to increase protective measures along the coast by 2024, following a successful pilot tested over the August bank holiday weekend. The experimental operation, named 'Safehaven', saw an elevation in security tactics and collaboration with St John's Ambulance in the Skegness area, targeting improved nighttime safety.
Successful Pilot and Zero Instances of Serious Violence
Chief Inspector Lee St. Quinton has hailed Safehaven as a "fantastic success", taking particular pride in the fact that there were "zero instances of serious violence" recorded between August 25th and 28th. By serious violence, he referred to grievous bodily harm or attacks that involved the use of weapons and knives.
"While they were operating, there were zero instances of serious violence over the bank holiday weekend in Skegness. Not a single one."
In contrast, a look back at similar statistics from 2019 (pre-Covid-19 era) shows there were five reported instances of serious violence over the same period.
"We've gone from five, which was the pre-Covid average, down to none. By adapting our tactics and bringing in new partners, like St John's Ambulance, we're able to say there are no instances of serious violence happening in the nighttime economy. I think that's quite a fantastic statement to be able to make really."
Collaboration with St John's Ambulance and Plans for 2024
Among the tactics employed over the bank holiday were the introduction of 12 trained medics from St John's Ambulance who set up a treatment centre in town. Ambulances and fast-response vehicles were also put on standby. These measures will be replicated over the summer of 2024 with particular emphasis placed on weekends and bank holidays.
"When we see that excessive footfall, we'll bring St John's Ambulance back to run that initiative again and keep people safe - that's what it's all about."
The Presence of Migrants and Crime Rates
Amid speculation on social media linking the presence of migrants in town to an increase in crime rates, St Quinton debunked the notion, stating that such fears are based more on perceptions than on the reality of crime occurrence.
"The crimes people think they commit, they just don't."
Clarifying further, St Quinton highlighted that five hotels in Skegness are occupied by asylum seekers, a situation that has caused considerable concerns among residents and officials.