By Grimsby PC praises the community for helping against crime
“There’s a separate identity here to Nunsthorpe,” says PC Lewis Call during his patrol on the Grange. The PC celebrates the relationship between the community and the police, elaborating on the importance of a dialogue with residents, allowing them to solve crime and even prevent it through regular and reliable intel.
“I had family on the Grange who were part of the community and people remember them, which is nice to hear. I also went to college here, so I really want to be here.”
Lewis has patrolled the area for three years so knows the area well, Lewis talks about the importance of a multi-agency approach to improving the areas.
“We are hosting a series of meetings to allow the community to air their concerns. We know the biggest issues in the area, but we want to work with residents right across the South ward to find out what is causing them problems.
“We want to continue to build that trust with the community, on the Grange, and on Nunsthorpe. We can’t ignore anywhere otherwise there would be a breakdown of trust, and that connection is important to us.”
Lewis spoke further of the community trust on the Nunsthorpe, allowing the police to target crime and identify it.
“I played a part in a recent closure order of property that was the focus of reports of criminality. This closure order was received well in the community – people like to see positive results. A lot of the good work goes under the radar, so it was nice to be able to show residents just one of the results we have achieved to help make their area a nicer and safer place.
“I still carry out checks of the address whenever I am in the area as I hold the responsibility for it. Other teams and partners help me out, of course. There is a lot of information sharing going on with partners including the council and Lincolnshire Housing Partnership.
“This closure order was good news, but we’re all aware that moving the problem isn’t solving it. However, there are advantages to both the police and the community.”
Lewis spoke further regarding a child close to criminal involvement, he said: “There was this kid who was on the verge of criminality. He was a good kid but was in danger of going down the wrong track. I still want them to grow upright, so we’ve worked with him and he’s back to being a good kid and is happy to talk to us.
“When kids wave at you, you realise most people in the area are happy to see you. Some of the kids are louder, sure..!
“It’s not a bad area and the estate doesn’t deserve the reputation some have given it. We are supported by at least 95% of the community.
“If you told me Nunsthorpe was a bad estate, I’d say you were wrong. No place I go has got a community like this.
“It’s got challenges, of course, but it is really rewarding when we get a positive result – and the community really feels it.
“My colleague had a report of a stolen motorbike. Due to the relationships built up over many years, a member of the public gave a possible address of where the bike might be located. On attending at the address, the stolen vehicle was recovered along with some drugs.
“People reporting these incidents might not see the direct action their reports may have and how they help us, but I would appeal for members of the public to help us by calling in information on people involved in antisocial behaviour and motorbike-related crimes, and particularly where these motorcycles are being stored.”
“There are a lot of schools in the area. Before Covid, we had an input into a lot of after-school clubs and we are looking to re-establish these.
“This type of engagement is where a lot of our intel comes from.
“Everyone wants to see bobbies on the beat, and I really enjoy the patrols and engagement. Being out and about can lead to fantastic results.”
