Games Machine Cash Stolen from Village Pub

Lincolnshire Police are investigating after cash was stolen from a pub gaming machine.

The incident is understood to have taken place at around 9:00pm on Wednesday, 9th January 2013 from the White Hart Inn, High Street, Nettleham.

It is thought that four men, who were drinking in the pub, smashed the front of the machine and stole the cash box. They then left the pub and may have left the area in a dark coloured car.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Lincolnshire Police via the non emergency 101 number, or call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Cllr. Giles McNeill, Conservative (Nettleham Ward), said:

"This is a very serious crime and I hope that we can expect a proper investigation by local police. Obviously if any one has any information I encourage them to contact the police or Crimestoppers.

"I can only imagine how distressing this is for the pub's landlord and local residents. I urge people to be vigilant in the future."

Nettleham Pair Charged with Charity Fraud

Lincolnshire Police Officers have charged two people in relation to alleged fraud offences involving a charity.

Peter Childs, of Hall Lane, Nettleham, has been charged with thirty-two offences including false accounting, fraud by abuse of position and theft in relation to Mencap.

Alison Childs, of Hall Lane, Nettleham, has been charged with twenty-nine offences including false accounting, fraud by abuse of position and theft in relation to Mencap.

Both have been released on police bail to appear at Lincoln Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 8th January 2013.

'Nun' Convicted of Sending Hoax Anthrax to Local MP

A 'Roman Catholic nun' has been convicted of sending hoax anthrax packages to senior politicians including Edward Leigh, Member of Parliament for the Gainsborough Constituency, and the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.

Sister Ruth Augustus, was convicted of sending hoax anthrax packages to senior politicians yesterday. Sister Ruth posted six envelopes containing white powder to the high profile figures. Targets included were former Attorney General Baroness Scotland and human rights lawyer Baroness Kennedy.

An envelope intercepted at a mail screening centre was addressed to Mr. Clegg and on the envelope was written 'devil worshipping', 'freemason', 'sex with 30 plus women' and 'your poor Catholic wife and children'. Another was to Baroness Scotland, and had a swastika on it and two crosses, and 'stop this evil devil worshipping'. One to Baroness Kennedy said 'stop these evil devil worshipping freemasons'.


An analysis of the contents of the packages revealed the substance to be non-hazardous.

According to The Independent Harrow Crown Court heard that when Sr. Augustus, of Stratford, east London, who denied the charges, was arrested she told police:

"I look like a terrorist, don't I, working for a charity all over the world, with orphans?"

A jury took less than two-and-a-half hours to find her guilty by a majority verdict of 11 to one on all counts following a three-day trial.

Mr. Justice Saunders deferred the case until September for a hearing at the Old Bailey while a medical report is prepared on Sr. Augustus' mental health.  She was released on bail on condition that she does not make contact any MP or senior Government official.


Following her conviction, Augustus turned to the public gallery as she left the courtroom and said she would be appealing against the verdict.

Gainsborough Deputy Mayor Fined by Magistrates

Town Councillor David Manning, Liberal Democrat (South West ward), was ordered to pay a £400 fine, £15 victim surcharge and £43 court costs by Lincoln Magistrates’ Court. He also took 6 points on his licence. The offence was ‘failing to identify the driver of a vehicle’.

The court dealt with the matter in Cllr. Manning’s absence. The fine has attracted criticism from some in the town, and calls for Cllr. Manning to explain himself, reports the Gainsborough Standard.

Former Liberal Democrat Town Councillor Robin Perry, who now sits as an Independent, has complained to West Lindsey District Council, claiming that Cllr. Manning’s behaviour had brought his position and the council into disrepute.

In a letter seen by the paper, Cllr. Perry said: 

"I believe he has broken the Councillor’s Code of Conduct."

Cllr. Perry suggests he had also broken four of the ten general principles which councillors should abide by - honesty and integrity, openness, a duty to uphold the law, and leadership.

Cllr. Manning, is reported to have said:

"The fine was in relation to a vehicle I used to own, which was caught speeding after I had sold it." 

"I was summoned to court for the speeding offence, but I replied saying I did not know who the driver was, as I had sold the car."

Cllr. Manning is a retired car salesman and stated he had filled in all the relevant paperwork for the Driver Vehicle Licencing Authority (DVLA) required to transfer registration of the car.

"I know what I am doing and I’m always meticulous with my record keeping so I don’t know what has gone wrong." 

"If I had been driving the vehicle and been speeding I would have got three points. But as it is I’ve been given six."

Commenting on the complaint that had been made against his conduct, Cllr. Manning said:

"It has been blown out of all proportion."

A spokesman for West Lindsey District Council stated it could not comment on individual cases, but that it would continue its support to ensure Gainsborough Town Council remained a 'healthy, fair and democratic local authority'.

Edward Leigh MP Calls for Rethink on Nettleham Custody Suite

Local MP Edward Leigh today urged caution over Lincolnshire Police’s proposed new custody suite on Deepdale Lane.

"I think that it’s vital that Lincolnshire Police consider carefully the implications of putting a custody suite in a residential and rural area, as well as taking residents’ views into account."

People living locally have been concerned by the plans to relocate capability from the Force’s West Parade Station to a new privately run facility adjacent to Lincolnshire Police Headquarters in Nettleham.

Mr. Leigh has said that he supports the Police when it comes to innovative solutions to smaller budgets, 'I think that most taxpayers can agree that savings in the police budget which allow more focus on front-line policing in straightened times are a good thing'. However he added that 'schemes which cause large numbers of criminals to be released onto the streets of Nettleham are simply unacceptable. People write to me to tell me how worried they are for the safety of their homes, their children, and themselves if this plan goes ahead. It is crucial that the Police fully address these concerns before this project progresses any further.'

A number of local residents have made their opposition to the scheme clear, on the basis that released criminals will have nowhere to go. There are fears that they will commit robbery and burglary within Nettleham in order to fund alcohol or drug habits, or in order to get back into Lincoln.

Custody Suite Plans Likely To Cause Controversy at Parish Council Meeting

Following on from Lincolnshire Police's announcement about the possibility of establishing a new custody suite at the Nettleham Headquarters on Deepdale Lane local campaigners have begun the process of making their voices heard loudly and clearly.

The message they want to send to Mr. Barry Young, the Chairman of Lincolnshire Police Authority is 'No'.

In a letter to Parish Councillors Mr. Young says:

"[T]he media had been told in general terms that G4S intended to build a new operational deployment base incorporating a state-of-the-art custody suite somewhere in the county.  No location was given. During interviews following the contract signing, reference was made to the building being constructed, subject to consultation and planning permission, on the Headquarters site at Nettleham 

"The important point here is consultation.  It was not our initention to spring any surprises on our neighbours, and this letter is to assure you and your fellow councillors that Nettleham Parish Council will be an important part of the consultation process. We like to think we have always been good neighbours, and we can assure you that we will do all we can to ensure this remains the case."

However, in an unsigned letter, posted on a number of notice boards in the village and delivered to a number of homes for circulation, states that:

"When criminals are released from the new Nettleham cell block where Do [sic] YOU think they will go? They will be released into the village and can look for places to burgle to raise funds for the drink or drug habit many of them have, or try to take cars to get back to where they have come from."

There is properly a lot of concern about this proposal, regardless of how embryonic it may be. Tonight's Nettleham Parish Council Meeting is expected to seethe with resentment.

Police Announce Custody Suite Plans

In what has been a fairly badly kept secret locally Lincolnshire Police have announced that a new multi-million pound police station could be built in Nettleham.

An artists impression of the new facility.

The news comes after private security firm G4S was awarded a £200 million contract to provide a host of services to Lincolnshire Police. As part of the deal, G4S would build and run a new state-of-the-art police station.

It is understood that the force's preferred site for the development would be at its existing headquarters in Nettleham, north of Lincoln. In addition, older stations around the county could be replaced.

The project is expected save Lincolnshire Police Authority an estimated £28 million and an eco-friendly design will cut running costs by £5 million over the next ten years.

The 30-cell station, based on a hub-and-spoke design, would house up to 120 staff. It would also be extendable in the event of major incidents or anticipated peaks in arrests and is expected to account for a 'major proportion' of the savings, said G4S.

A formal decision on where the new station will be has not been made. Lincolnshire Police Authority spokesman Alan Hardwick said:

"The chairman of the authority has made it known the site that's favourably under consideration is actually at the headquarters site in Nettleham. 

"The next step is that G4S and ourselves will be preparing plans to go to West Lindsey District Council. 

"It's land we already own and subject to planning permission that's the preferred site. But we have not ruled out alternatives. 

"We are carrying out a review of our entire estate which also includes the south of the county. And we will look very critically at some of our older stations."

It is thought around 544 of nearly 900 full-time civilian employees in the authority could be affected by the deal.

From Sunday, 1st April 2012 G4S will be Lincolnshire Police Authority's partner for other services. This will cover areas such as human resources, information technology, fleet management, custody services and firearms licensing for at least the next ten years. Lincolnshire Police Authority chairman Mr. Barry Young said:

"G4S shares our values and our ambition to maintain and improve services. 

"Crucially, the new strategic partnership will also deliver significant infrastructure investment that will offset the budget reductions called for by the Government. I believe we are leading the way."

Ms Kim Challis, group managing director of G4S Government and Outsourcing Services, said:

"G4S is excited to be partnering with Lincolnshire Police in delivering this landmark programme. 

"We are particularly delighted to have the opportunity to implement many new innovations, such as our purpose-built Bridewell custody suites – the first of which will be completed within a year."

EXCLUSIVE: Roof Lead Stolen from All Saints Church, Nettleham

Nettleham residents have reacted with anger today upon discovering that a significant amount of lead has been stolen from the church roof.

Thieves, believed to be highly organised, are thought to have struck during the early hours of Monday, 4th July in the tranquil rural village of Nettleham.

Police Community Support Officer, Mrs. Jackie Parker, said:

"It just shows that nothing is sacred any more."

Nettleham Parish Councillor, Giles McNeill, who has responsibility for keeping an eye of the church yard for the parish council's Property Committee said:

"It really is terrible, but with prices for raw materials at all time high it is something we are all having to increasingly be vigilant about. I know that at Fiskerton's church they had three thefts in succession of lead from their roof and one can only hope the same will not be true in Nettleham."

Law Breakers Caught in Multi-Lateral Sting

Scrap metal dealers believed to be flouting the law have been caught in a multi-agency sting.

West Lindsey District Council, the police, the Environment Agency, Smartwater and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency all worked together in an operation that resulted in several vehicles being seized after inspections discovered safety faults, road traffic offences and insurance irregularities.

Investigations are also continuing to discover if the vehicles have been used to transport stolen scrap metal after a marked increase in the number of reported thefts.

Chairman of the Prosperous Communities Committee, Cllr. Malcolm Parish, Conservative (Welton Ward), said:

"This is really good news, and shows how well multi-agency operations can work.

"It is disgraceful that so much theft of lead and scrap metal goes on. Working together is a really effective way to cut crime."

Smartwater officials were in attendance to examine scrap for possible theft of metal as part of the campaign. SmartWater is a clear liquid that is used to code valuable items such as jewellery, ornaments, electrical items and even motor vehicles. It cannot be easily seen by the naked eye and is almost impossible to remove. The liquid glows under ultraviolet light making it easy for the Police to detect.

Homeless Letters Are Hoax Declares Council

Hoax letters are being sent to people in West Lindsey saying that residents' spare bedrooms will be used to house homeless people.


West Lindsey District Council has stressed that the letters have nothing to do with the authority.
Director of Strategy and Regeneration, Mrs. Rachel North, said:

"We are extremely concerned letters claiming to be from the council are being circulated but we would like to reassure residents that this is a scam.

"We are working closely with Lincolnshire Police on this issue. West Lindsey District Council will not tolerate this kind of behaviour and will not hesitate to prosecute those involved.

"We would urge anyone who received a letter or knows where they originated from to contact us or the police with information."

CCTV Image Could Be Burglar Who Has Raided Village Homes

The Lincolnshire Echo today report that police have released an image of a lone man who they believe is at the centre of 40 burglaries carried out in two Lincolnshire villages.


The paper reports that since May, he has stolen tens of thousands of pounds of jewellery and cash from properties in Nettleham and Saxilby. The homes targeted have been empty with many of the occupants having gone on holiday and it remains a puzzle how the thief seems to know the properties are vacant.

The images from Sunday, 15th August 2010, show the man in Horncastle town centre, where he has also allegedly struck six times.

The Police asked the paper to publish the pictures in an attempt to uncover the perpetrator's identity. They are offering a £1,000 reward to information leading to a conviction. Through detailed investigations, including increased patrols in the area and, in some cases, covert work, police are confident the man is from the South Yorkshire area.

Detective Chief Inspector Shaun West said:

"The detailed work we have done with these images means we are very confident this is our man.

"Although we can't go into detail for operational reasons, we are also extremely confident he lives in or regularly visits the South Yorkshire area.

"We need people in Lincolnshire to study these images and tell us if they think they know this man."

Police Investigating 15 Burglaries Next To Headquarters

Embarrassed police are investigating 15 burglaries in four weeks at houses surrounding their headquarters the Mirror today reports.

So far no arrests have been made following the raids in the village of Nettleham, near Lincoln. The homes involved are some of the most expensive in the area, and patrols have now been stepped up.

Parish Council Chairman, Cllr. Terry Williams, said:

"I can't remember anything like it. Local people are concerned and unsettled."

Tell Police If You're Leaving The Village

The Lincolnshire Echo are reporting that local police are urging homeowners in Nettleham who have been targeted by burglars to let them know when they go on holiday.

Detectives are continuing to investigate a spate of break-ins in the village of Nettleham outside Lincoln after twelve break-ins and attempted break-ins in a matter of days. Police have been posting advice to residents in an effort to boost vigilance - 600 leaflets have been delivered by PCSO Jackie Parker.

It has been revealed the burglars were targeting empty homes in the village, officers have taken the unusual step of urging anyone going away to let them know. The move comes as local fears grow about the burglaries – and against a background of break-ins in nearby Welton.

Ms Debra Tinsley, a spokesman for Lincolnshire Police, said officers were doing everything they could to catch the culprits. She said:

"The investigation is still ongoing, and we are doing everything we can to get to the bottom of things.

"We are urging residents to follow basic crime prevention advice to minimise the risks they face."

Police say people going away should let them know so that patrols can be stepped up in the right areas but they are also advising locals to take their own measures – such as cancelling milk and papers, informing neighbours when away, using timers for lighting at night and setting burglar alarms.
Police this week attended the meeting of Nettleham Parish Council to update the council on the investigation.

Cllr. John Hill is reported to have said:

"Nettleham has a very low crime rate. We have never had something like this before and I hope it is a one-off. But the police have issued very good advice. Keep a watchful eye out, particularly if a neighbour is away on holiday."

The spate of break-ins began on Saturday, 29th Ma y2010 has seen homes across the village targeted. So far, there have been no arrests. The case has some parallels with a spate of break-ins in nearby Welton in May. Now locals are hoping the intensifying police investigation will soon lead to a breakthrough.

Cllr. Alf Frith, Liberal Democrat (Nettleham Ward), is reported to have said people were concerned about what was happening in their village.

"It's alarming, I have been away for a few days and when I went away I was rather concerned about what might happen. It's upsetting, especially because a lot of people were away when their homes were broken into."

Anyone with information about the break-ins should call police on 0300 1110300. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Television Taken In Daytime Raid

Police are still hunting for clues after two break-ins in Nettleham and Lincoln. A television and a laptop were swiped in a burglary on Long Leys Road in Lincoln in the middle of the afternoon.

Police say the break-in took place on Wednesday, but they are still urging witnesses to come forward.
The shed at the home was also broken into, but nothing was taken.

A fresh appeal for help has also been issued to catch the culprits of a break-in on Larch Avenue in Nettleham.

A large amount of gold and silver jewellery was stolen from a house there last week.

Anyone with information should call 0300 1110300.

Police Seize £100,000 Haul In Undercover Operation

More than £100,000 worth of drugs and stolen property have so far been recovered in a special undercover police operation centred on Gainsborough.

Cocaine with a street value of £50,000 and the proceeds of burglaries including lap-top computers have been discovered in the first six weeks of increased action funded by the West Lincolnshire Crime Reduction Partnership.

Chairman, Cllr. Geoff Wiseman, Conservative (Middle Rasen Ward) said:

"Police intelligence alerted us to an increase in crime - particularly committed by people driving into West Lindsey from neighbouring areas - and the Crime Reduction Partnership was delighted to be able to pay for the hire of vehicles and for camera technology which identifies vehicles owned or being driven by known criminals."

The result is that in the first six weeks of the operation sixty-seven arrests have been made which relate to forty offences.

Insp. Phil Baker said: "

Our team of six officers have been working in Gainsborough, Market Rasen and the surrounding villages and the operation has been a huge success.

"The money provided by the Crime Reduction Partnership allowed us to hire vehicles which cannot be identified as police vehicles and this is vital. Equally important is the camera technology which alerts us to vehicles that have been involved in crime before and we have been able to stop and detain the drivers; sometimes as soon as they enter Lincolnshire."

Cllr. Wiseman said the Crime Reduction Partnership had been delighted to help fund the operation which is continuing to pay big dividends.

"The police are sending out a clear message to thieves that if they try to operate in West Lindsey they will be hunted down, caught and put away. We are entirely behind that and I am particularly pleased that the camera technology we have helped to fund sends criminals packing even before they have a chance to cause misery in our district."

Crime Figures for Nettleham (Dec/Jan 2009-10)

Related content: 'Crime Figures for Nettleham (Nov/Dec 2009)'.

The following details emerged in a Police Report that was submitted and considered at last night's Nettleham Parish Council Meeting, it give details of occurrences in Nettleham between Monday, 14th December 2009 to Wednesday, 13th January 2010.

Between the dates the Police had three crimes and twenty-six incidents reported to them. The most significant and relvant to the Parish Council was:

Monday, 28th December 2009 – A vehicle was stopped on A46 at Nettleham for a minor traffic offence, whilst being dealt with by the Officer, cannabis was discovered in the vehicle. The driver was dealt with for the offences. The driver is not local to Nettleham.

The incidents highlighted to the parish council were as follows:

Tuesday, 15th December and Saturday, 19th December 2009 – Three incidents were reported related to concern for welfare of elderly persons. They were all checked and all was in order. It does serve as a reminder to encourage people to check on elderly neighbours in the village that may just appreciate a visit during the cold, long nights.


Tuesday, 15th December 2009 – A large safe was found on Sudbrooke Lane, it is believed that it had been stolen from a care home in or around the Lincoln area the same night. A Scenes of Crime Officer collected the safe and enquiries are on going to link it back to a premise.

Monday, 4th January 2010 – In the early evening a suspicious incident was reported on Church View. A male was seen in the callers rear garden trying shed doors, when the male realised he was being watched, he pulled his cap down and left.

Six of the incidents during this time period were road traffic collisions, predominately due to the road conditions. Again another reminder on how important it is at this time of year to allow extra time for journeys, to remember good vehicle maintenance, to fully defrost your vehicle before driving off in the morning.


There was only only incident at Mulsanne Park during this period, this involved a vehicle performing hand brake turns in the car park late at night. Unfortunately when police arrived the vehicle had already left the village.

All other incidents are of a personal or police nature and not of public concern

Reaction to Briton Executed by China

China which, has warned Britain that it must stop its fierce condemnation of its judicial process, executed Akmal Shaikh for drug smuggling. The execution has provoked strong criticism from Prime Minister Gordon Brown MP who said in a statement that he was 'appalled'.

Shaikh was executed by lethal injection at 10.30am local time on Tuesday, 29th December 2009 (2:30am GMT) at the Xishan Detention Centre in Urumqi, in the far west of China. Government ministers repeatedly called on China to show clemency because Shaikh was believed to suffer from severe bipolar disorder.

In Lincoln yesterday I was surprised that the matter came up in conversation, and more surprised at the disconnect between the position of the British Government and the public. All, universally supported China's right to try, convict and punish offenders in their own way, without interference. A source who attended a prayer session at the cathedral in the city has reported that two Roman Catholic nuns also thought what China has done was right - obviously in spite of the Church's teaching on the sanctity of life.

On Tuesday, a spokeswoman for China’s foreign ministry expressed China’s anger at the British Government’s response to the death sentence. spokeswoman Jiang Yu said:

"Nobody has the right to speak ill of China’s judicial sovereignty.

"We express strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition over the groundless British accusations. We hope that the British side can view this matter rationally and not create new obstacles in bilateral relations."

Since Shaikh was arrested at Urumqi airport with four kilos of heroin in September 2007, China denied repeated requests for him to be examined by a doctor. His family insist he was tricked into carrying the drugs by a criminal gang.

China has a zero tolerance policy towards drug smugglers, whether Chinese or foreign. It is also extremely sensitive towards any attempts to interfere in what it regards as its internal affairs.

Crime Figures for Nettleham (Nov/Dec 2009)

The following details emerged in a Police Report that was submitted and considered at last night's Nettleham Parish Council Meeting, it give details of occurrences in Nettleham between Wednesday, 11th November 2009 to Friday, 11th December 2009.

Between the dates the Police had twenty-five incidents reported to them. The incidents highlighted to the parish council were as follows:

Wednesday, 9th December 2009 – A member of public reported seeing a vehicle being driven around Mulsanne Car Park, the registration number was obtained. Enquiries are currently ongoing and the intention will be to issue the driver with a section 59 notice.

Tuesday, 1st December 2009 – A report that during early hours a suspicious van had been seen on Medway Close. No details of van taken. Incident had occurred at approx 4:10am but not reported until later in the day, so no opportunity for officers to search for the van.

Saturday, 21st November 2009 – A report was received of a male purchasing alcohol at the Premier Shop, Lodge Lane and handing it over to teenagers. However on investigation by officers this was not the case.

Between Friday, 20th November 2009 and Monday, 23rd November 2009 – A report of five vehicles crimes, theft from and/or damage to over night.

Between the above dates there have been thirteen crimes recorded by the Police for the Nettleham area, the crimes of note highlighted for the Parish Council were as follows:

Overnight following Thursday, 19th November 2009 – A work van broken into on private driveway in Brookfield Avenue, possibility that the van had been left insecure. Property stolen from within vehicle.

Overnight following Sunday, 22nd November 2009 – An attempt was made to break into a vehicle on a private driveway on Herrington Avenue, damage only caused.

Overnight following Sunday, 22nd November 2009 – Vehicle broken into whilst parked on private driveway Ridgeway. Property stolen from within vehicle.

Overnight following Sunday, 22nd November 2009 – Vehicle broken into whilst parked on private driveway on Kerrison View. Property stolen from within vehicle.

Between Monday, 23rd November 2009 and Wednesday, 25th November 2009 – Interference with motorvehicle whilst parked on private driveway in Squires Place. An attempt made to enter vehicle but damage only caused.

On all the above crimes there have been no witnesses or suspects and nothing of value; for scenes of crime so at this time all remain undetected.

Between Monday, 16th November 2009 and Friday, 21st November 2009 a garage has been entered and a pedal cycle stolen from within. This occurred on Ashtree Avenue.

On Saturday, 5th December 2009 there were two assaults reported from Mulsanne Park, however these were between two persons playing a football match. Both are being investigated by the respective officers.

Overnight following Wednesday 9th December 2009 a shed broken into at property on Lincoln Road and bikes and a petrol mower were stolen. This is still currently being looked into by the investigating officer.

Vandals Steal Donations From Nativity Crib Destined For The Homeless

Vandals have damaged a Nativity display and stolen cash donations that were destined to spread festive cheer among Lincoln's homeless. They attacked the Christmas Crib close to the Halifax Bank in the Cornhill square in Lincoln city centre.

The display was pushed onto its side so the thieves could gain access to the compartment that is used to collect donations for the Nomad Trust. The Knights of Saint Columba, an organisation within the Catholic community, who organise for the Nativity scenes to be exhibited at the Cornhill and in Castle Square say they may never put them up again.

Gordon Reynolds, who attends Our Lady of Lincoln Catholic Church, said the action of the yobs would deprive the Nomad Trust of vital funds.

"This just shows what society seems to be descending into.
"It's so sad that
we paint and repair the cribs and tend to them and then someone does
this.
"For the past few years we've been bolting the display around a tree to
try and stop vandalism. I just don't understand why they have done it.
"If
they don't agree with the religious aspect of it then they should just walk by.
We are not asking them to stand and look at it if they don't want to."

The Nativity scenes have been a festive fixture in the city for more than 30 years, with the city’s Catholic community spending their free time tending to the displays in an effort to raise money for charity. Around £300 is raised each year.

The vandalism, which happened overnight on Thursday last week, has been reported to Lincolnshire Police and officers are now appealing for information. Anyone with information about the incident should call Lincolnshire Police on (01522) 532222, quoting incident number 87 and give the date of Friday, 4th December 2009.

Beware Council Tax Scam

Residents throughout West Lindsey are being urged to be on their guard against fraudsters operating a council tax scam.

In other parts of the country there have been reports of people being approached on the doorstep or by phone by thieves who tell people they have either paid too little or too much council tax.

West Lindsey’s Revenues and Benefits Manager, Alan Robinson said:

“The scam works because people are asked to disclose details of their bank
account so that either a refund can be made or a fine for late payment
avoided.

“In reality all the fraudsters want to do is get access to
their victims’ bank details.

“We are investigating one case of
someone locally who may have been affected and I would urge everyone to on their
guard.”

There are a number of variations on the scam. People in Bury have been told they are due to a refund because their property had been rebanded and residents in the North East were offered a no win no fee service to claw back £1,500.

Mr Robinson added:

“It would be very unlikely that the Council would approach someone either on the
doorstep or by telephone with information relating to council tax.

“I would advise anyone who is approached to offer to ring us back
on (01427) 676676 to establish if the call is genuine or not.”