Officers will implement a zero-tolerance approach to alcohol and drug abuse- often the root cause of other crimes such as shoplifting, vehicle theft and burglary.

As well as the current team of town centre beat officers, a further six officers have been drafted in to work solely on Operation Sapphire in the run up to Christmas.

Town centre police have vowed to crackdown hard on anti-social behaviour:


* Anyone consuming any alcohol on the street will have it taken off them and if they are behaving inappropriately, will be arrested.


* Anyone seen to be drunk and acting in a disorderly manner will be arrested.


* Police will be test purchasing at licensed premises and anyone found to be selling alcohol to underage people will be prosecuted and 'named and shamed' in the Journal.


Police believe the operation can drastically reduce crime in the run-up to Christmas.

PC Nick Smith said: "The aim of this operation is to make Grantham town centre a safe and pleasant place to be as people shop, socialise and drink in the run up to Christmas.

"We are asking the public and shopkeepers for their support. We want every single incident of suspicious behaviour or potential crime to be reported to us.

"We have the extra resources on the streets and we will take action."

As part of Operation Sapphire, the police are encouraging people to report any drug deals or drug taking they see.

A spokesman for Lincolnshire Police said: "If you see anyone exchanging something you believe is suspicious, get on the phone and officers on the street will get there to make an arrest.

"Overall the aim is to stamp out alcohol abuse which leads to most anti-social behaviour in the day and night and make drug users and drug dealers more scared to go into town.

"The more we lock up, the less shoplifting, theft from cars and burglary there will be."

You can contact any of the town centre neighbourhood policing team on:

PC Nick Smith - 07939 312779

PCSO Gareth Ramsey - 07824 895818

PCSO Alfie Kent - 07939 983455