South Holland Police

24/10/2026

Were you in the Cob Gate area of Moulton on Friday 16 October, at around 1.20pm? Can you help our appeal?

📢 APPEAL: Collision on Cob Gate, Moulton involving a lorry and a car.

We were called at 1.21pm on Friday 16 October to a collision on Cob Gate in Moulton involving a DAF lorry and a car.

The collision happened at the crossroads with East Gate, Hog’s Gate, East Cob Gate and Cob Gate.

The male driver of the car, a Silver Kia Sportage, was taken to hospital but sadly died on Friday 23 October. Our thoughts are very much with the man’s family who will be supported by specially trained officers.

A telegraph pole was damaged in the collision. The road was closed whilst the incident was dealt with, and our investigation is continuing.

We continue to investigate multiple lines of enquiry, and we would like to hear from anyone who may have captured the lorry or the car via dashcam or on doorbell footage in the moments leading up to the collision.

If you feel you have any information that may assist our inquiries, please get in touch.

☎️ Please call 101 or in an emergency please call 999. Please refer to incident 252 of 16 October.

📩 You can also email: [email protected]. Please refer to incident 252 of 16 October in the subject line.

23/10/2026

Dispersal orders issued for Holbeach and Sutton Bridge following recent disorder

📣 Two 48-hour dispersal orders issued for Holbeach and Sutton Bridge following reports of ASB

Over recent days, officers have received numerous calls from concerned members of the public, which include reports of disorder, an assault, and a number of purported bomb threats, as well as damage being caused to homes and shops, with property doors also being kicked. These incidents have caused significant disruption and alarm within our community.

As part of our ongoing investigations, 22 young people have now been identified as suspects in connection with anti-social behaviour and disorder offences. Enquiries remain ongoing and further action will be taken where appropriate.

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Paul Smith has authorised two dispersal orders which gives officers additional powers to direct individuals involved in, or likely to be involved in, anti-social behaviour to leave the area. Anyone who fails to comply may be committing an offence and could face arrest.

One dispersal order covers Holbeach, the other covers Sutton Bridge. Both orders will run for 48 hours from 7pm Friday 23 October 2026 to 7pm Sunday 25 October 2026.

We will continue to work with partners, parents and guardians to address this behaviour, identify those responsible, and keep our communities safe. We would ask parents and carers to know where their children are this evening and to speak with them about the consequences of becoming involved in anti-social behaviour and criminality.

📣 DISPERSAL NOTICE - Section 34 Authority to issue (s35) Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014

1️⃣ The first notice is applicable for the area within the town of Holbeach, to include the town centre, housing estates parks and recreational areas.

The dispersal order gives officers the power to require individuals to leave a specified area if they are contributing, or likely to contribute to harassment, alarm, distress or crime and disorder.

Failure to comply with a direction to leave is an arrestable offence. We have experienced anti-social behaviour and disorder in the area of Boston Road, and the town centre and have reason to believe that this will continue.

2️⃣ The second notice is applicable for the area within the town of Sutton Bridge, to include Bridge Road, Sutton Bridge and all roads directly adjoining Bridge Road, including the grounds of the Sutton Bridge Memorial Park.

The dispersal order gives officers the power to require individuals to leave a specified area if they are contributing, or likely to contribute to harassment, alarm, distress or crime and disorder.

Failure to comply with a direction to leave is an arrestable offence.

🗣️ Inspector Smith said: “The behaviour we have seen over recent days is completely unacceptable. A small number of individuals are causing significant disruption, placing unnecessary demand on emergency services, and creating fear and concern within our communities.

"Let me be absolutely clear once again: anyone found to have been involved can expect to face the consequences of their actions.

"Reports of assaults and purported bomb threats are not a joke. They divert police resources away from genuine emergencies and put members of the public at risk. We will continue to use all powers available to us to identify those responsible and bring them before the courts where appropriate.

"I would urge parents and carers to know where their children are, who they are with, and what they are doing. If your child becomes involved in this sort of behaviour, the consequences can be serious and long-lasting.

"Our officers will be out in force tonight, and we will not hesitate to use the dispersal order powers where necessary to protect the public and prevent further disorder."

Incidents 211 and 212 of 23 October 2026 refer

19/10/2026

A man has been jailed after entering Oak Court, Spalding 11 times despite partial closure order.

Read more below👇🏻

👮🏼🚨 Jail for repeated closure order breaches

We received multiple reports of suspected mate crime and the exploitation of a vulnerable tenant at a property in Oak Court, Spalding.

Following these concerns, South Holland District Council’s Housing and Safer Communities teams sought a closure order. Neighbourhood Policing officers, through their regular engagement with probation services and partner agencies, had also identified safeguarding concerns linked to the address.

An investigation was launched, which established that the property was home to a vulnerable victim of 'mate crime'. Evidence gathered showed that the man had attended the address on 11 occasions, during which he repeatedly requested money from the resident. This formed part of the evidence presented to the court.

We worked alongside council colleagues to gain this evidence along with other agencies, which meant that the suspect was located quickly, and remanded into custody to safeguard the victim.

This joint work resulted in a Partial Closure Order being secured at the property and further enforcement action being pursued against the offender involved.

Andrew Searle, 56, of Pinchbeck Road, Spalding repeatedly breached the order by entering the premises 11 times between 8 September and 8 October 2026.

Working closely with partner agencies, officers were able to gather evidence of repeated breaches of the order, resulting in Searle being arrested and appearing before the court on 14 October 2026.

The court imposed a custodial sentence of five months' imprisonment and granted a Restraining Order until April 2028. The order prohibits Searle from contacting the victim or attending Oak Court.

🗣️ Commenting on the outcome, Sergeant Callum Corder of South Holland's Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "This investigation, conviction and safeguarding of the victim collectively demonstrates the strength of partnership working between agencies across our communities. It also highlights the vital role local people play in helping us protect those who may be vulnerable.

"Members of the community raised concerns with us, and by working closely with our partners we were able to take positive action.

"We would encourage anyone with concerns about crime, anti-social behaviour or safeguarding issues to continue reporting them through the appropriate channels. The information people provide helps us direct our resources where they are needed most and ensures we can continue keeping our communities safe.

🗣️Councillor Tracey Carter, Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing at South Holland District Council, said: "This is a really positive result and highlights just how effective partnership working can be in keeping our communities safe.

"I would like to thank our Housing and Safer Communities teams, Lincolnshire Police and all partner agencies involved for their hard work and commitment throughout this case.

"By working closely together, we were able to protect vulnerable residents, take action against those causing harm, and ensure breaches of the Partial Closure Order were dealt with appropriately and show that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.

"This outcome reflects the dedication of everyone involved and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to supporting vulnerable people and making sure residents feel safe in their homes."

💡 WHAT IS 'MATE CRIME'?

Typical examples include:

➡️ Taking money or possessions from someone who believes the offender is their friend.
➡️ "Borrowing" money and never repaying it.
➡️ Taking over a person's home for criminal activity (often referred to as cuckooing).
➡️ Encouraging a vulnerable person to commit offences on someone else's behalf.
➡️ Emotional, physical, or s*xual abuse by someone perceived to be a friend.

REPORT IT

Information gathering never stops. If you see something that matters, report it. Every concern raised and every piece of information shared plays a vital role in turning fragmented information into a coherent intelligence picture that supports disruption and crime prevention.

If you feel you have information that might be useful to us, there are a number of ways you can get in touch.

By calling 101

By telling us about concerns via the 'Tell us about' section of our website: https://www.lincs.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/

By speaking with us while we’re on foot patrols

Or anonymously, via the Crimestoppers website: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously

All information is handled sensitively and confidentially.

By continuing to report concerns, crime and anti-social behaviour, you help us identify patterns, target patrols effectively and work with partners and the community to address issues before they escalate.

19/10/2026

🗣️ A message from Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Callum Corder

We've received a number of concerns from residents, businesses and parents about anti-social behaviour in Holbeach and Sutton Bridge in recent weeks, and I want to reassure you that we are taking these reports seriously.

On Saturday night (17 October), we introduced a dispersal order following an increase in reports of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage. Three dispersal notices were issued, and enquiries are ongoing to identify those involved.

A small number of young people have been linked to incidents including damage to windows and doors, the repeated targeting of properties and businesses, eggs being thrown at homes, damage to vehicles, reports of violence between youths, and unlawful entry into properties. While some may view this behaviour as harmless fun, the reality is that it causes significant distress to victims and can have a lasting impact on residents and business owners who are central to our communities.

➡️ Quite simply, this behaviour cannot continue ⬅️

Over recent weeks, we have increased our activity across the area. This has included high-visibility patrols, plain-clothed deployments, close work with South Holland District Council's CCTV team to identify those responsible, and engagement with local schools to help us identify and support young people at an early stage. We are also working closely with partner agencies, including Children's Services and Youth Justice colleagues, to ensure appropriate interventions and support are available where needed.

We've recently used dispersal powers in Holbeach and elsewhere in South Holland. These powers are designed to prevent alarm, harassment, and distress within the community by allowing officers to direct individuals away from an area where disorder is likely to occur. Their purpose is preventative, helping us intervene before situations escalate into more serious incidents.

I would also ask parents and guardians to speak with their children about where they are spending their time, who they are associating with, and the consequences of becoming involved in anti-social behaviour. Early intervention remains our preferred approach. If you believe your child may have been involved, or you are concerned they could be becoming drawn into this type of behaviour, please get in touch. We would much rather work with families at an early stage than see a young person become further involved in disorder or criminality.

Our approach is centred on prevention. We engage with young people, build positive relationships, and work alongside families, schools and partner agencies to address concerns before they escalate. Where appropriate, referrals are made to Children's Services and other support organisations to ensure young people receive the help they need.

However, if anti-social behaviour continues, or support and opportunities to change are not taken up, we will not hesitate to take more robust action. This can include acceptable behaviour agreements, formal warning notices, civil injunctions and, where criminal offences have been committed, investigations that may result in arrest and prosecution. Young people may also be referred to the Joint Diversionary Panel, which brings together police, Children's Services and Youth Justice professionals to determine the most appropriate intervention and help prevent further offending.

We are committed to keeping Holbeach and Sutton Bridge safe places for everyone. By working with our partners, local schools, businesses and residents, we will continue to identify issues early, support those who need it, and take firm action against those who choose to continue causing harm in our communities.

REPORT IT

Thank you to everyone who continues to report concerns to us. The information you provide helps us build a clearer picture of what's happening and allows us to target our resources where they are needed most.

If you feel you have information that might be useful to us, there are a number of ways you can get in touch.

By emailing us via [email protected]

By calling 101

By telling us about concerns via the 'Tell us about' section of our website: https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lincs.police.uk%2Ftua%2Ftell-us-about%2F&data=05%7C02%7CJody.Baker%40lincs.police.uk%7C092c78f9aa04442b279e08df2dc28017%7C64bdf0f9219d4cdc88ea2737325b4d26%7C0%7C0%7C639279985543570493%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=3QrTgSXdpNImn7P%2Fqi228FX1CCRY1j0IVDQS49SqpRg%3D&reserved=0

By speaking with us while we’re on foot patrols

Or anonymously, via the Crimestoppers website: https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcrimestoppers-uk.org%2Fgive-information%2Fforms%2Fgive-information-anonymously&data=05%7C02%7CJody.Baker%40lincs.police.uk%7C092c78f9aa04442b279e08df2dc28017%7C64bdf0f9219d4cdc88ea2737325b4d26%7C0%7C0%7C639279985543604264%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=sDK%2BI1t7mXOfW1f6eiL3oz8IAQ0LIXhJnKx211Rueuw%3D&reserved=0

All information is handled sensitively and confidentially. Together, we can continue to target anti-social behaviour and protect our communities.

15/10/2026

“Children deserve better than survival. They deserve peace. They deserve calm."

We are sharing the following words from a survivor who grew up experiencing domestic abuse. With honesty and reflection, she shares how this shaped her outlook and her self-worth. She has chosen to do this because of a drive to help others and raise awareness.

This survivor wrote:
“I didn't know love wasn't supposed to hurt.
“I thought staying proved you loved someone.
“I thought sacrificing yourself was what partners did.
“I thought surviving was the same as being loved.
“I couldn't have been more wrong.
“Sometimes I wonder what my life would have looked like if my mum had left sooner.
“Not because I blame her I never could.
“I know now how impossible leaving can feel.
“I know about fear.
“I know about manipulation.
“I know about trauma bonds.
“I know that leaving is often the most dangerous time.
“This isn't about blaming her.
“It's about grieving the little girl I used to be.
“Because maybe... Just maybe... If I'd seen my mum choose herself... I'd have learned I was allowed to choose myself too.
“Maybe I'd have recognised the warning signs. Maybe I'd have walked away the first time someone made me feel small. Maybe I wouldn't have spent years chasing people who only knew how to break me. Maybe I wouldn't have confused control with care. Maybe I would have known that love shouldn't leave bruises—on your body or on your soul.
“People say children need two parents. I disagree.
“Children need safety.
“Children need peace.
“Children need to know they'll wake up tomorrow with the people they love still alive.
“I'd rather my child grew up in one tiny flat full of laughter than a mansion full of fear.
“I'd rather my child had one happy parent than watched one parent bury the other.
“I'd rather my daughter learned that walking away from abuse is strength than grow up believing enduring it is love.
“Children deserve better than survival.
“They deserve peace.
“They deserve calm.
“They deserve homes where laughter is louder than shouting.
“Where footsteps don't make their stomachs drop.
“Where keys turning in the front door don't fill them with dread.
“Where bedtime means stories instead of tears.
“We spend so much time protecting children from strangers.
“We worry about social media. We worry about drugs. We worry about bad influences.
“Yet some children are living with the most dangerous thing they'll ever encounter... Inside their own home.
“Abuse doesn't just leave bruises. It rewires children.
“It teaches them that love hurts. That fear is normal.
“That silence is safer than speaking. That surviving is the same as living.
“It takes years to unlearn those lessons.
“I'm still trying.
“So when I say don't stay together just for the children... Please understand where those words come from.
“They come from the little girl who thought every scream was going to be the last one she ever heard.
“They come from the woman who spent years accepting less than she deserved because abuse felt familiar.
“And they come from a mum who would rather her daughter grow up with one peaceful home than two parents trapped in a violent one.
“Because homes aren't built by keeping two adults under one roof.
“They're built with love. With safety. With respect. With peace.
“If those things have gone, then sometimes the bravest thing you can do for your children isn't staying.
“It's leaving.
“Because leaving doesn't always break a family.
“Sometimes...It's the first step towards finally saving one.”

We would like to thank this survivor for sharing her story so bravely and candidly in the hope it might help others. If you have experienced domestic abuse, please know that there is help and support available.

Call the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.

Haven Domestic Abuse Service are a registered charity covering Boston and South Holland providing support, advice and safe housing for male and female victims of domestic abuse and their children. For more information, please see the link in comments.

12/10/2026

No dispersal notices were issued during the operation this weekend (10-12 October) in Sutton Bridge, which is a positive indication that the increased police presence and engagement had the desired effect.

UPDATE: A dispersal order put in place over the weekend in Sutton Bridge helped provide reassurance to the community, with a noticeable reduction in reports of anti-social behaviour.

During the period of the order, which was in place from 8am Saturday 10 October to 8am 12 October, officers received very few calls relating to ASB. One incident was reported involving a group of youths banging on a door, which officers dealt with appropriately.

No dispersal notices were issued during the operation, which is a positive indication that the increased police presence and engagement had the desired effect.

🗣️ South Holland Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Paul Smith, said: “The purpose of the dispersal order was to prevent anti-social behaviour, provide reassurance to residents and give officers additional powers should they be needed. Pleasingly, reports reduced significantly over the weekend, and we did not need to issue any dispersal notices.

“We understand the impact persistent anti-social behaviour can have on local communities and we will continue to work with our partners and engage with young people to address concerns before they escalate. We would encourage residents to continue reporting issues to us so we can build an accurate picture and direct our resources where they are most needed.”

Thank you to everyone who continued to report concerns and speak with officers. We will continue to monitor the area and work with partners to ensure local residents can feel safe and enjoy their community without disruption.

11/10/2026

We are appealing for information after two people died following a collision near Crowland.

Following a call to us at 6.43pm on Friday, 9 October, we attended the B1166 (Hulls Drove) near Patchett’s Bridge.

The collision involved two vehicles: a red Hyundai I10 travelling westbound and a grey Fiat 500X travelling eastbound.

Sadly, both the male driver and female passenger of the Hyundai were declared dead at the scene of the collision.

The driver of the Fiat, a woman, was taken to hospital with injuries not thought to be life-changing nor life-altering.

The road was closed while emergency services attended. It was re-opened around 7am on Saturday morning,

We are now appealing for anyone who saw the collision or who has dashcam footage to contact us:

Email [email protected] quoting Incident 405 of 9 October.

09/10/2026

Part of Hulls Drive, near Crowland, has been closed following a collision reported to us at 6.43pm.

We are aware that some vehicles are trying to get past the closure – emergency services are attending and drivers should find alternative routes.

Incident 405 of 9 October.

09/10/2026

Inspector Paul Smith has authorised a dispersal order for 10 October 2026 between 08:00 hours and 12 October until 08:00 hours in the Sutton Bridge area. Details below.

📢 DISPERSAL ORDER ISSUED, SUTTON BRIDGE

We are aware of reports of anti-social behaviour in the Sutton Bridge area, some of which have crossed the threshold into criminality.

Inspector Paul Smith has authorised a dispersal order for 10 October 2026 between 08:00 hours and 12 October until 08:00 hours. A Section 35 Dispersal Order gives officers the power to require individuals to leave a specified area of Bridge Road, Sutton Bridge and all roads directly adjoining including the grounds of the Sutton Bridge Memorial Park, if they are contributing, or are likely to contribute, to harassment, alarm, distress, crime or disorder. Failure to comply with a direction to leave is an arrestable offence.

A number of incidents have been reported which include damage being caused to houses, house doors being kicked and eggs and stones being thrown at people and properties. The behaviours are causing local residents to be alarmed and fearful of being victims to said behaviours. The local Neighbourhood Policing team are working with members of the public, partner agencies and parents.

🗣️ Inspector Paul Smith from South Holland’s Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "We want to reassure the public that we are taking these reports extremely seriously. Anti-social behaviour and criminality that impacts our communities will not be tolerated. Additional resources have been deployed to the area, a dispersal order is in place, and officers will use all appropriate powers to prevent further incidents.

"We understand the significant impact this behaviour is having on residents and businesses. While we will continue to work with young people and their families to address issues early and provide support where appropriate, there must also be accountability. Where advice, engagement and intervention are not accepted, we will take an incremental approach that escalates from warnings and formal agreements through to enforcement action where necessary.

"Parents and guardians have an important role to play. If you believe your child may be involved, I would encourage you to speak to them and contact us so we can intervene at the earliest opportunity.

"Offences are to be dealt with robustly. We are determined to protect our community, support those affected, and take decisive action against those who continue to engage in anti-social or criminal behaviour."

07/10/2026

Shop theft will not be tolerated in Spalding.