October 27, 2015 10.45 am This story is over 100 months old

Violence and threats in Lincoln St Giles go unreported as fears over safety grow, says resident

Speaking out: A St Giles resident has told The Lincolnite violent “yobs” are ruling her neighbourhood, with householders too scared to report incidents.

Assaults, vandalism and even reports of stabbings in the St Giles estate in Lincoln go unreported, say residents, as fear levels and anti-social behaviour incidents grow in the area.

A surge in violent incidents in areas surrounding Browning Drive has led to Lincolnshire Police scheduling extra patrols and encouraging people to come forward.

Residents in the area say they are “desperate” to rid their streets of vandals and violent “yobs”.

One householder, who wished not be named, spoke to The Lincolnite about concerns after threatening behaviour escalated to a stage where she felt unsafe in her own home.

She even alleged that two stabbings had occurred on Browning Drive at around 9.30pm on October 26, but police say although they attended reports of a scrap in the area, no one came forward with information on arrival.

She added: “The reason nobody will talk to the police is because of fear of what will happen to them afterwards.

“My neighbour was assaulted on her doorstep for giving a police statement, I was threatened in the street that if I continued to help the police that my home and family will be harmed.

“I do not feel safe at all and now looking to leave the area. Many of the residents have sent their children out of the area to stay with friends and relatives as it’s simply not safe.

“At any moment we could find ourselves with bricks hurled through our windows. The rise in antisocial behaviour has rocketed in the last three months, I’m scared to go to the shop incase I’m confronted by them.

“We are having an awful time here, yobs are ruling the estate with no protection from the police, our homes are being badly vandalised and it’s not safe for us to have our children at home.

“They have a ‘nobody can stop us’ attitude and yes I will keep on contacting and assisting the police in anyway I can. I will not be bullied by thugs.”

Sergeant Ian Richardson from Lincolnshire Police said: “Over the last few weeks Lincolnshire Police have been made aware of several incidents of ASB-type behaviour that are reported to have occurred in the St Giles area of Lincoln.

“We are investigating these incidents and appreciate that there is concern among local residents.

“As such, we have a number of extra officers patrolling the area and would encourage anyone who has any worries, or indeed anyone who wants to report anything, to please talk to officers or call 101 (999 in an emergency).

“Sometimes information that might not seem important can prove to be just what we need to build up a wider picture and it is that information from the public that we often greatly rely on.

“We are doing our utmost to investigate these reports and are grateful any information from residents that may help us see those responsible held to account.”