Lincolnshire Police Chief Inspector Discusses Coastal Safety Plan Success
Chief Inspector Lee St Quinton of the Lincolnshire Police has given an insight into tackling the challenges of maintaining safety across the coast during the summer seasons. Each year, approxmiately 2.2 million individuals visit Skegness, peaking in the summer, according to a report by the district council's Connected Coast.
'Summertime Policing Plan'
To ensure safety, Lincolnshire Police rolled out their 'summertime policing plan', a strategy aiming to mitigate issues regarding drugs, knives, coastal road safety, burglary, and violence against women and girls (VAWG).
In the words of Chief Inspector St Quinton, "For a town with a population of approximately 20,000 rising to around 250,00 in the height of summer, the increased demand that this brings warrants a multi-agency plan that provides the best possible local services."
Initial Success Indications
Despite data still being analysed, the initial success reports are deemed 'very positive'. The police force used data analytics to address key concerns, resulting in a unique summertime police plan that seeks to target those issues.
Significant reductions in serious knife crime were highlighted as a 'major success'. Notably, the incidence rates of using knives in serious offences have gone down by 47% since 2019.
Operation Coastline
Codenamed 'Operation Coastline', efforts were spearheaded to counter knife crime, recreational drug use, and violence against women. 'Knife arches' were set up, scanning individuals for concealed weapons. Inspector St Quinton clarified their approach, stating "Knives aren't welcome. Drugs aren't welcome. If you want to enjoy the night, just bring yourself and enjoy yourself."
Operation California
Under 'Operation California', over 600 swab tests were issued in one August night, with 11 individuals testing positive for cocaine.
Addressing Drunk Driving and Caravan Burglary
Beside these operations, efforts were also dedicated to tackling drunk driving and caravan burglary. Inspector St Quinton emphasised, "It wasn't about just making the coast the safest place, but also making the roads around the coast safe. We want people to use the roads with confidence." The number of caravan burglaries reportedly dropped by 20% as a result of their actions.
The Chief Inspector praised the proactive efforts stating "We've arrested people quicker than ever before and recovered a significant amount of property."
Operation Atlantis
Operation Atlantis aimed to prevent people, particularly children, from getting lost on the beaches. Though data is still being collected, Inspector St Quinton expressed confidence in its success, asserting "the amount of missing people has reduced significantly this year."
The Road Ahead
As the season concludes, Inspector St Quinton expressed satisfaction with the success of their 'solid' plan, reducing crime rates and keeping people safe. Having had no prior template for a summer policing plan, the force now intends to share their strategy with others.