A coordinated multi-agency operation has led to six arrests in a single night as police and council teams stepped up action against ongoing anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Boston.
Lincolnshire Police confirmed that a man and five boys were arrested following a targeted operation aimed at tackling persistent issues involving mopeds and bicycles being ridden dangerously and anti-socially in the town centre and surrounding areas.
For several weeks, residents and businesses have reported repeated incidents involving children and young men riding through pedestrianised areas, often causing alarm and disruption. Until last week, officers had been unable to identify those responsible.
On Thursday 11 December, while officers were dealing with an unrelated incident on Wide Bargate, three individuals rode past on mopeds through the pedestrian zone. They were wearing balaclavas, filming officers and shouting abuse. Given the volume of recent reports, officers immediately deployed additional resources to locate and stop the group.
A rapid response operation was launched involving Boston Response officers, Armed Response Vehicles, council CCTV operators and the police Drone Unit, which provided real-time intelligence to track the riders across the town.
A 23-year-old man, Danila Penkovs of Taverner Road, Boston, was located riding a dirt bike and arrested. He was later charged with possession of a Class B drug (cannabis), driving without insurance, failing to stop and dangerous driving.
Shortly afterwards, drone footage tracked other riders heading towards Kirton. Officers intercepted them on John Adams Way, arresting two boys aged 17 and 14. Police confirmed the bike they were riding had been stolen. Both were arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, having no insurance, failing to stop, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and handling stolen goods. The 14-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of drug driving.
Another rider was followed to an estate off Sleaford Road, where the bike was abandoned and the suspect fled on foot. Following a short chase, a 16-year-old boy was arrested. A further 14-year-old boy was then found hiding in bushes after being located by police dog PD Bruno. That bike was also confirmed as stolen. Both boys were arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop, theft of a motor vehicle, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and having no insurance.
A short time later, the final outstanding rider was identified in the Market Place after being recognised from CCTV footage and arrested.
All boys under the age of 18 who were arrested have been referred to the Joint Diversionary Panel, a partnership between Lincolnshire Police, Children’s Services and the Youth Justice Service. The panel focuses on early intervention, restorative justice and support, with the aim of avoiding unnecessary criminalisation of young people where appropriate.
Sergeant William Robson said: “This was an excellent example of multi‑agency and inter‑departmental teamwork between Response Policing, Armed Response, the Drone Unit, and the CCTV team at Boston Borough Council.
“It also highlights the importance of reporting incidents through the appropriate channels, such as the ‘Report It’ page on our website, as this enables us to focus our resources effectively.
“We will continue to listen to the concerns of our community and respond with all necessary measures to ensure everyone can go about their business with confidence in their safety.”
Cllr Dale Broughton, Leader of Boston Borough Council said: “Keeping Boston safe is our top priority.
“This successful operation shows what can be achieved when Boston Borough Council works hand-in-hand with our policing partners, and we will continue working collaboratively to achieve safer streets for our residents.”
Cllr Mike Gilbert, Portfolio Holder for Town Centre at Boston Borough Council said: “Boston’s political administration congratulates all those involved in tackling this menace.
“We need to be clear that our community wants to see all forms of anti-social behaviour stop, the risk, fear and inconvenience that goes with it stop, and a general spirit of respect for others increase.
“The seizure of vehicles is as much a deterrent to these children as any prosecution or process that may follow.”
If you have any information or concerns, please continue to reach out. There are a number of ways you can do this:
- Directly with local Neighbourhood Policing officers at various engagement opportunities
- By emailing your local officers using the Boston Town section of Lincolnshire Police’s website: https://www.lincs.police.uk/area/your-area/lincolnshire/boston/boston-town-centre/contact-us/top-reported-crimes-in-this-area
- By chatting with officers while they’re on foot patrols
- Or anonymously, via CrimeStoppers: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously
All intelligence is handled sensitively and confidentially.
Inc 458 of 11 December refers
