Police warning over Lincoln sneak-in burglaries

A Boston shop owner has closed his doors and been given a suspended prison sentence for selling counterfeit cigarettes.

Timurs Olehnovics and his Tauras LT Ltd store on West Street, Boston were subject to a Lincolnshire Trading Standards investigation on February 18 last year.

Officers found 1kg of hand-rolling tobacco and over 5,000 illicit cigarettes that were hidden in the kitchen area at the back of the shop.

Lincolnshire Trading Standards seized around 5,000 illicit cigarettes. | Photo: Lincolnshire County Council

The owner admitted to selling them for around a month, saying he knew he shouldn’t have done it but needed the extra cash.

As well as this, he admitted to hiding the products in an attempt to keep them away from police and investigators.

The cigarettes were hidden away in the kitchen area. | Photo: Lincolnshire County Council

Timurs Olehnovics, 34, of King Street, Boston, was given a 26-week prison sentence suspended for two years, as well as being fined £1,318.73.

Mr Olehnovics was also ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work in the community, and has since closed his store.

The owner has now closed his shop as a result. | Photo: Lincolnshire County Council

Alan Griffin from Lincolnshire Trading Standards said: “Mr Olehnovics was well aware that what he was doing was wrong, and the products he was peddling were dangerous. 

“This latest prosecution is further evidence that Lincolnshire Trading Standards is serious about tackling illicit tobacco in the county.

“The sale of these products attracts other anti-social behaviour and criminality, and any information residents have about counterfeit and illegal cigarettes can help us stub it out.”

Drivers faced huge tailbacks on the A1 near Grantham after two lorries collided in the early hours of the morning.

The northbound lane is closed between B1174 (Grantham South / Little Ponton junction) to A52 (Grantham North / Barrowby turn off).

Recovery work is ongoing at the time of writing (8.30am), and congestion of around two miles is expected on the stretch of road.

Heavy traffic in the area. | Photo: RSM Photography

The crash was first reported in the early hours of Thursday, June 17, but with severe damage to both vehicles involved, and debris on the road, the clear-up is expected to continue for a while.

Drivers have been told to look out for congestion on surrounding local roads.

| Photo: RSM Photography

Pictures emerged of the scene, showing the severe damage to both vehicles.

| Photo: RSM Photography

It is not yet clear if anyone has been injured in the collision.

This is a developing story and will be updated accordingly. 

Police investigating the suspected stabbing of a man in Grantham have made three further arrests.

A 31-year-old woman, a 40-year-old woman and a 27-year-old man have been remanded into police custody on June 16 in connection with the serious assault on Thames Road on June 15.

As reported at the time, the victim, in his 30s, was found at a property on Thames Road at around 2.30am with a serious injury, consistent with a knife wound.

He was taken to hospital for treatment. His injuries were not described as life-threatening.

A fourth person was also arrested on June 15, but has been released on police bail.

Since the attack, armed officers, investigators, search teams and response officers have been carrying out searches for their suspect in the area, particularly the Bridge End Road end of the town.

It is not yet clear if a weapon has been located.

Lincolnshire Police said in a statement: “We would like to reassure the public that we are not looking for anyone else in connection to this incident. Enquiries are ongoing.

“We would like to thank the public for their assistance. If anyone has any further information, please contact us via 101 quoting incident 41 of June 15.”