'We need more police presence in village'

"IT may seem peaceful during the day, but at night it becomes a nightmare."

Those are the chilling words of Coun David Marshall, vice-chairman of Laceby Parish Council, talking about the village.

Coun Marshall believes there are many common misconceptions about the village, but that recently crime has increased significantly.

Coun Marshall says he has seen countless windows smashed, heard of up to 15 allotments being broken into, and several cars been stolen – most of which has, to his knowledge, been reported to the police.

He said: "It doesn't seem like anything has been done about it, we need more police presence.

"It may look quiet during the day but it isn't at night.

"Unfortunately it isn't one rotted apple in a barrel, there is a lot of them.

"I know the police have got a lot of important things to do but if there is any trouble around here they don't seem to come.

"We are a very low-grade village in terms of trouble, but won't be soon.

"People are sick of the trouble that happens at night here, and with 2009 around the corner, I dread to think what is going to happen."

However, not everybody agrees with Coun Marshall.

Arthur Johnson, of St Margaret's Avenue, Laceby said: "I like it here. Myself and my wife moved here four years ago from Grimsby to get away from crime. We've had no problems at all here, it's a great place to live."

His words were echoed by Sgt Steve Lynn of the Laceby, Aylesby and Irby Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT).

He said: "In the last two months there have been 24 crimes reported in the area – that is one every three days – and three of those were domestics.

"This is in comparison to the 2955 crimes committed in the same period across North East Lincolnshire, so things are not all that bad."

He added that PCSOs Diane Bell and Robert Dove were regularly on patrol, liaising with residents and councillors, and attending parish council meetings to keep their finger on the pulse.

However, he said they could not operate without the public's help.

He said: "If you find a crime has been committed, or catch someone in the act then let us know. We as an NPT are grateful for any information the public can provide."

Contact the police:

If you witness a crime being committed call 999. In non-emergencies call 0845 60 60 222 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.