Christmas shift for police

Lincolnshire Police are wishing city residents a happy and peaceful festive season but are also reminding the public not to let the celebrations get out of hand.

Busy times are ahead for the nighttime economy and the force have plans in place, including additional patrols, to prevent crime and disorder.

Superintendent Lee St Quinton, Head of Prevention said: “Pubs, bars and restaurants will of course be busier than usual as friends, families and work colleagues meet up to celebrate Christmas and New Year. 

“We are reminding people to do this sensibly and take responsibility for your alcohol intake and your actions. As is the case throughout the year, we will not tolerate disorder or violence from a minority. We will be working with pubs and partners so that everyone is able to enjoy the festive season safely.”

Chief Insp Gareth Boxall is coordinating policing of Lincoln city centre with a focus on the busy nights over this weekend, Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. He said: “We will have an increased number of officers on duty during the afternoon, evening and night-time and will be assisted by our own Special Constabulary officers. We will be working with British Transport Police, City of Lincoln Council, Lincoln Street Pastors and others to ensure the city is safe.”

Alongside looking after our city and town centres, police will also be working to keep the roads safe with zero tolerance for drivers above the legal limit for alcohol and drugs. The December drink/drug drive campaign launched on December 2 and continues with check points at key locations. So far this month, 61 people have been arrested on suspicion of drink or drug driving related offences. 

Police are advising anyone out drinking to make sure they have a safe journey home planned. That includes not getting behind the wheel if you are unfit to drive and not getting in a car with a driver who is over the limit.  

Christmas is not a time of peace and joy for all, and the force is anticipating a rise in the number of reports of domestic abuse over the coming weeks. 

Lead for domestic abuse, Detective Chief Inspector Rachael Cox said, “Christmas can be a time of extra stress and increased time with family. This means that those people enduring abusive behaviour may be dreading the holidays, in fear that the abuse may escalate at any time. We want to reach those people with the message that we are here for you, but regardless of if you chose to report to us, there is help and support available.”

Help and support for domestic abuse:

• LDASS offer information, advice and where eligible, specialist intervention support. You can make an online self-referral, or call 01522 510041 (office hours).    
• If you have concerns that a partner or ex is abusive, you can ask us under Clare’s Law if there is information that we hold that means they may be a risk to you. This is also called the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme. You can ask for yourself or someone else you are worried about.
• Safe Spaces are consultation rooms you can use to find out about your options and the support available. They are there to give you sanctuary, away from the prying eyes of your abuser. Safe Spaces are available in pharmacies including Boots, Coop, Morrisons and Superdrug and also at certain banks.  
• The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is always open: 0808 2000 247
• We are always open: call us on 101 or 999 if it’s an emergency.  
• Find more support organisations for domestic abuse.