A cannabis grow discovered, 15,000 illegal vapes and cigarettes seized, 42 traffic offences reported, five people arrested, two warrants, and one vehicle seized – this was just one day of action by officers in Gainsborough.
The enforcement was carried out to combat crime in the town and included officers from Lincolnshire Police, along with Trading Standards and HMRC.
These are issues you have told us you want us to tackle – so we have. The work on Wednesday, 13 November, was just a slice of the ongoing activity which often goes unseen by officers and staff who are continually building their intelligence and links in the local community to tackle crime.
The local Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) and officers from Specialist Operations, supported by the police drone, carried out four warrants at properties believed to be connected to drugs activity. The warrants were supported by the drone unit and our specially trained police dogs, PDs Erik and Franky.
Following one of the warrants at Linden Terrace, a large cannabis grow was found in a residential property, and a 38-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of cultivation of cannabis and possession of class A drugs. He has been released under investigation. The property was made safe, and the grow is being dismantled. Further investigations will now be carried out.
In another warrant at Furley’s Wharf, a 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs, and a 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs at Charles Street. Both have been released under investigation. Nothing was found in the warrant at Sandsfield Lane.
The local NPT also worked with Trading Standards to enforce action on stores operating illegally through the sale of vapes and cigarettes. These were:
- The Vape Shop, and Vapes, Sweets and Drinks, both in Trinity Street
- Middle East Market, and Euro Supermarket, both in Church Street
Andy Wright, Principal Lincolnshire Trading Standards Officer, said:
“Following our day of action with the police, this morning (15 November 2024), the court saw fit to close these premises for the maximum period allowed by law—three months.
“The closure was granted on the basis of a history of criminal activity at each premises, namely the sale of illegal cigarettes and vapes. These goods are largely counterfeit and have not been subject to UK Duty payment.
“We have received numerous complaints from parents of children who have purchased illegal cigarettes and vapes from these premises, as well as from legitimate businesses in the area who cannot compete on an equal footing. The businesses closed will be investigated by my officers, and criminal proceedings will be taken where appropriate.”
During the day of action, 50 vehicles were stopped in the Gainsborough area, resulting in 42 traffic offence reports and other issues, including:
- One vehicle which was overweight and insecure
- Reports for speeding, including an HGV travelling at 48mph in a 30mph zone, and two others reported to the court due to the speed they were travelling at and not stopped to ticket at the time
- A tractor reported for an insecure load travelling through the town centre
- One vehicle which had illegal window tints
- Three people given the opportunity to repair defects under the Vehicle Defect Rectification Scheme (VDRS), which is a voluntary programme allowing drivers to fix minor vehicle defects and avoid prosecution. The issues included one vehicle with an illegal licence plate and two others with insufficient tyre tread.
During other searches and proactive activity, we also seized an air rifle, one knife, and cash.
Staff from HMRC were also with officers visiting car washes in the town, and no issues were found.
Local Neighbourhood Inspector Mike Head said:
“Gainsborough is a great town, with a really strong community, and those who commit crime and cause fear are not welcome here. Our officers are always working, both in ways you can see us on the street or meeting with local traders, schools, or on the street, as well as in the background, to tackle issues.
“This day of action was a proactive push, and we are really pleased with the results, a lot of which would not have been possible without the help of the community coming forward with information. We’ll keep on working, and we ask that you keep on letting us know about issues in your area.”
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