POLICE are appealing for witnesses to come forward in connection with an incident which happened on Wintringham Road, Grimsby.

Shortly before 1630hrs on Sunday 13 October a woman was walking, with her child who was in a pushchair, along Wintringham Road and as she approached the Peaks Parkway underpass she was approached by a man in a black coloured BMW.

The woman and the man, who is known to her, become involved in a verbal altercation in which it is reported that he made an attempt to take hold of the child in the pushchair. The child is also known to him.

After a short time the woman and child walked away and the man, who is aged in his 20s, got back into his black coloured BMW and drove away.

The woman and child were not injured in the incident.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to call Humberside Police tel 101 quoting crime reference 2003510.

POLICE are appealing for witnesses and to help locate the driver of a vehicle involved in a collision in Grimsby.

Between 1445hrs and 1700hrs on Thursday 17 October a Ford Fiesta has been parked outside of St Marys Catholic School, Wellington Street, Grimsby.

The owner of the vehicle returned to find the left wing damaged and the right wheel had buckled and hit the kerb.

Witnesses advised the car owner that a vehicle had hit the Ford Fiesta and driven away without leaving any contact details.

Police do not have any details about the offending vehicle and would appeal for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to call Humberside Police tel 101 and quote log 457 17 October 2013.

POLICE are appealing for witnesses in connection with an assault which happened outside The Lighthouse, Sea Road, Cleethorpes on Sunday 20 October 2013.

At around 0530hrs a 25 year old man was sat on a bench outside of the lighthouse talking to a woman.

Close to where they were sat was a group of both men and women who were all stood talking to each other.

The 25 year old man walked over to the group before sitting back down on the bench next to the woman.

An unknown man, from the nearby group, then walked over to the man and a verbal altercation is believed to have taken place. The 25 year old man was then assaulted by the unknown man, before the two were pulled apart by another man.

Both men then walked away across the road and a further assault has then taken place before the 25 year old man got into a taxi. He was treated at DPOW hospital for a loss of a front tooth and slight facial injuries.

The offender has been described to police as a white male, of a slim build and around 6ft tall. He had short dark hair and was wearing a light coloured t-shirt and light coloured jeans.

Anyone who may have information in connection with the incident is asked to call Humberside Police tel 101 and quote crime reference 2004525. 

Detectives in North East Lincolnshire are trying to locate the owner of what appear to be some form of Chinese Medals.

The items were recovered from an address in Grimsby and it is believed they may have been stolen, however police have not been able to locate an owner.

Anyone who believes they may be able to identify the owner(s) is asked to call Samantha Blendell at Grimsby Police Station on 01472 264571.

POLICE are trying to identify a person who has sent a letter, accompanied by £25 cash into Grimsby Police Station.

The letter, which was received sometime before the 11 October 2013, instructed the police to carry out a specific task with the cash. However, police need to speak to the person who sent in this money before doing so.

The person who sent in the money is not wanted in connection with any criminal investigation, police just need some further information and would ask the person to make contact.

Anyone calling in connection with this appeal will be asked to confirm, to police, the details included in the letter to establish that they are the correct person.

If you believe that you sent this letter, or you know who did, then please make contact with the Enquiry Desk at Grimsby Police station by either visiting the station or calling Humberside Police tel 101.
 

POLICE are appealing for information in connection with a fatal house fire which happened on Westward Ho in Grimsby on the evening of Wednesday 30 October 2013.

Shortly before 1720hrs, two police officers were passing an address on Westward Ho when they came across a house which was on fire.

The officers made an immediate call to the Fire Service and made an attempt to gain entry to the address prior to the fire service arrival.

Officers closed the road at Bargate following the incident.

Nicola HEATON (53), was the sole occupant of the address at the time of the fire and was sadly found deceased inside.

Officers re opened the road at 2036hrs.

A joint investigation is currently underway, with Humberside Fire and Rescue, to establish the exact circumstances of the house fire.

Police have spoken to a number of potential witnesses to the incident and would now appeal for anyone else with information to call Humberside Police tel 101 quoting log 494 of 30 October 2013.

On Saturday 09 November around 8500 people attended the FA cup first round match, at Blundell Park, between Grimsby Town and Scunthorpe United.

Prior to the match, police had information to suggest that some disruption was going to be taking place between a number of people, who were in attendance at Cleethorpes. To help minimise this risk police transported a number of Scunthorpe United fans from Grimsby train station, on a bus, to Blundell Park and ensured they all arrived safely entered the stadium in time for the kick off.

During the match further information was handed to police to suggest that a number of potential "risk" groups, from both Grimsby and Scunthorpe, were going to engage in disorder after the game had finished. To help minimise the opportunity for disorder, police identified a number of potential "risk" groups from Scunthorpe United and chose to escort them along the North Wall and to Cleethorpes train station. This meant that those people leaving Blundell Park in the direction of Harrington Street and Grimsby Road were not affected.

As officers lead the group away from Blundell Park, attempts were made to keep a group of Grimsby "risk" away from the group  Scunthorpe "risk". This put the officers who were involved in this escort under intense pressure and this resulted in a confrontation taking place between those supporters. Further officers were then deployed to the location and this ensured the Scunthorpe United fans departed Cleethorpes on the train, as first intended.

It has now become apparent that other members of the public, from both sets of supporters, may have been caught up in this confrontation. I can confirm that only one person was reported to police as being injured in the confrontation. This person refused any form of treatment and left. I am not aware of anyone else being injured as a result of being caught up in the incident.

SUPERINTENDENT Dave Hall said: "I can confirm that a thorough police investigation is underway, to establish what happened in the incident and to ensure that all those who were involved are dealt with in a timely manner and brought to justice. This type of football violence will not be tolerated. We have three people who are currently on bail following their arrest on Saturday. I expect that the number of those arrested will increase as the investigation continues.

"The main objective for the police, and Grimsby Town football club is to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for all of those people who attend the game. It is a shame that a small minority of people chose to spoil that at the end of the football match.

"I have attended a meeting today to discuss the replay which will be taking place on Tuesday 19 November at 1945hrs at Glanford Park in Scunthorpe. For that match police are working with both Grimsby Town and Scunthorpe United to promote the use of organised travel to and from the game. This will help to reduce the chances of further disorder and to further help people get to and from the match safely.

"I would personally like to thank the vast majority of people who attended the game on Saturday 09 November who behaved well and caused no issues. I would also like to extend that gratitude to the police officers, the stewards and Grimsby Town football club who ensured that the safety of the people in attendance was never compromised, despite what was very challenging circumstances.

“If anyone has any information, which they have not yet reported to police about the disorder following the game, then I would encourage those people to come forward as soon as possible. We will be pursuing football banning orders for those people and any information will be greatly received. Anyone with information can call Humberside Police tel 101 and quote reference LOG 156 of 09 November. You can also report information anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111."

UPDATE ON THE PEOPLE ARRESTED

THE following people were all arrested on Saturday 09 November, following the Grimsby Town v Scunthorpe United match. They have all been dealt with by Humberside Police.

Lee CROUCHER (27) of Holly Mews, Grimsby was charged with a breach of banning order and has appeared at Grimsby Magistrates Court on Monday 11 November.

Joshua HEINZMAN (21) of Durban Road, Grimsby was charged with a breach of banning order and has appeared at Grimsby Magistrates Court on Monday 11 November.

Thomas HAGGENSEN (22) of Dale View, Grimsby has been charged with use of threatening words to cause harm and distress. He appeared at Grimsby Magistrates Court on Monday 11 November.

David BENNETT (35) of Stanley Street, Grimsby has been charged with going onto a playing area during a football match. He appeared at Grimsby Magistrates Court on Monday 11 November.

Thomas WASHINGTON (20) of Bradford Avenue, Cleethorpes has been charged with going onto a playing area during a football match. He appeared at Grimsby Magistrates Court on Monday 11 November.

Lewis HOPKINSON (23), of Oxford Street, Cleethorpes has been charged with going onto a playing area during a football match. He appeared at Grimsby Magistrates Court on Monday 11 November.

Lewis AUSTWICK (24), of Buller Street, Grimsby has been charged with assaulting a police officer. He appeared at Grimsby Magistrates Court on Monday 11 November.

Two 18 year old men were arrested for breach of a Section 27 dispersal order. They were both taken to Grimsby Police station and later given a simple caution.

A 30 year old man from Cleethorpes was arrested in connection with a disturbance following the football match. He has been released on bail to a date in December.

A 15 year old boy from Cleethorpes was arrested in connection with a disturbance following the football match. He has been released on bail to a date at the end of November.

A 36 year old man from Scunthorpe was arrested in connection with a disturbance following the football match. He has been released on bail to a date in November.
 

In order to minimise the potential of disorder at the Scunthorpe United v GrimsbyTown football match at GlanfordPark police arrested a number of "potential risk" supporters and escorted them back to Grimsby.

This group of 16 individuals, aged between 16 years to 28 years, were arrested to prevent a breach of the peace, after police believed they were intent on causing disorder in Scunthorpe and at the match. Once the likelihood of disorder had passed, the group had their tickets seized and were de arrested.

Shortly before the match kicked off, in a separate incident, two males were handed Section 27 dispersal orders. A short time later one of those males was then arrested for a breach of this order and taken into police custody.

Another man has just been arrested for a report of criminal damage at GlanfordPark.

It is estimated that around 5000 people are in attendance at GlanfordPark for the FA Cup first round replay between Scunthorpe United and GrimsbyTown.

Unfortunately a number of football supporters were delayed in getting to the match due to a serious road traffic collision which happened close to the ground at Tesco roundabout. The collision which involved four vehicles happened at 1845hrs. Two people, who were initially trapped in their vehicles, were taken to hospital and treated for what are believed to be serious injuries. Police closed the M181, Northbound in order for the injured people to be safely removed from their vehicles and taken to hospital.

POLICE are trying to establish how a man sustained a fractured skull, can you help with the investigation?

A call was made to police after a 32 year old man was found unconscious on Hainton Avenue, Grimsby by a member of the public in the early hours of Sunday 24 November.

The injured man left a friends address and the next thing he recalls is that he woke up in hospital being treated for a fractured skull.

The man was in drink at the time he left his friends address, so there is possibility that he could have fallen, however at this time the exact circumstances have not been established.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have information or seen a man walking along Hainton Avenue close to Pasture Street, between 2200hrs on Saturday 23 November and 0550hrs on Sunday 24 November to please call police. Anyone with information is asked to call Humberside Police tel 101 quoting crime reference AA/2011378/2013.

A series of complaints made by shops and members of the public has caused police to take action against people who are sat outside of premises begging for money from members of the public.

Between Thursday 03 October and Saturday 16 November police in North East Lincolnshire have received 40 separate calls in relation to people who have been seen begging for money and this raises concerns with the public and shops.

As police look to reduce anti social behaviour and incidents of shop theft during the Christmas period, and beyond, officers will be targeting those people who sit begging and, police will also be asking people when they give them money do they really know what it is for?

Acting Sgt Simon DUFFIELD said: "The calls made to police in relation to people begging is causing us real concern and we want to let the people of North East Lincolnshire know we are proactively doing something to address these concerns.

"I would like to ask people that when you give to these people who are begging do you really know what you are giving money for? A lot of them claim to be homeless and need money to survive, when the majority of them are taking your hard earned cash to feed a drink and drug habit. So you might want to think twice next time you see them in the street or outside a shop.

"A lot of these people are also known to police for other criminal offences, so by telling police when you see somebody begging you could be helping us out. It is a criminal offence to go begging and we can't be in a number of places at once, so if you see people doing it then let us know. We will be targeting known locations throughout the Christmas period to help tackle offences and provide reassurance to the public.

“Police work closely with a number of agencies to ensure that people across North East Lincolnshire are not left in homeless state. These people, who sit begging often chose not to accept this assistance and have taken to a life of crime. Police are working to help reduce these number of offenders, however the calls for service we are receiving in relation to begging does seem to be increasing.”

On Sunday 16 November police arrested three people for begging on Victoria Street in Grimsby. Two people have been charged and will be appearing at Grimsby Mags Court in early December and the other was released without charge.

Of the 40 calls that were made to police between 03 October 2013 and 16 November 2013, 22 of those came from Cleethorpes and the other 18 from a number of locations across Grimsby.

Anyone who may wish to report an offence of begging to Humberside Police can do so by calling Humberside Police tel 101.

In recent weeks officers across North East Lincolnshire have made some significant arrests, and seen a number of people sent to prison, for offences which range from burglary, theft from motor vehicle and serious sexual offences.

Detectives across North East Lincolnshire work continuously to help make local communities a safer place to be and to ensure that the minority of people, who wish to commit crime are arrested, charged and brought before the courts.

In recent weeks a number of very isolated incidents have taken place across North East Lincolnshire. In connection with these incidents, a number of people have been arrested and, in some cases charges have been brought and people have been remanded in custody.

Alongside this offenders have also appeared before the courts in relation to other on going investigations. Some of these people have been handed lengthy custodial sentences, which is both reassuring to the police and to the victims.

Detective Chief Inspector for the Southbank, Craig SCAIFE said: "The hard work and dedication of officers in North East Lincolnshire has resulted in some significant arrests and charges being brought against a number of offenders. Some of those people have been charged in connection with an isolated incident, and other have been charged in connection with daily incidents such as burglary and vehicle crime.

“It is pleasing to see the hard work of our investigation teams pay off when offenders appear before the courts and are handed a custodial sentence. As the police we work hard to bring offenders to justice and to see those people taken off the streets, for any length of time, is a great result for us, the victim and the local community. It means there is one less person is able to target the people of North East Lincolnshire.

"As part of the work we do police work with a number of partner agencies to try and engage with offenders to help deter them from a life of crime. This can sometimes prove to be effective however, we do have some people who are intent on continuing to commit crime. It is these people who we are aware of and we have measures in place to monitor them and ensure that they are less likely to re offend.

“Police officers cannot be everywhere at once and we have to deploy our resources accordingly. Sometimes we cannot attend to incidents as quickly as we may like to as we are dealing with more serious offences in other locations. It is for this reason that I would like to thank the people of North East Lincolnshire who regularly come forward and help support the work of the police. Often we rely on the local communities to be our eyes and ears and help provide us with information. At times this type of information can be vital to our investigations so thank you for continued support and please call the police if you have anything to report to us."

People who have been arrested and charged:

Mark GIBSON (32) of Edward Street in Grimsby was handed a 27 month prison sentence for shop theft and attempt burglary. He appeared at North Lincolnshire Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to the offences.

David LEWIS (42) of Daubney Street in Cleethorpes was charged with assaulting a police officer and concern in the supply of Cocaine. He was sentenced to 45 months in prison.

Andrew CLARKE (34) of Ludford Street in Grimsby was given 16 years in prison and will be on the sex offenders register for life, after being charged with a number of sex offences.

Lee PARKER (24) of Weelsby Street, Grimsby has been charged with a burglary at an address on Rutland Street on Saturday 27 July. A flat screen TV, an Xbox, money and an iPhone was stolen.

A 16 year old boy was arrested and charged with burglary, theft of motor vehicle, use of motor vehicle without third party insurance and driving a motor vehicle in accordance with a licence. He was due to appear at North Lincolnshire Magistrates Court on Monday 12 August.

Stephen WILLIAMS (60) of Ladysmith Road, Grimsby was charged with 15 sex offences and appeared at Grimsby Crown Court on Thursday 18 July. He was handed a 24 year prison sentence.

Timothy TAYLOR (20) of Hainton Avenue, Grimsby was given a four month suspended sentence, a two year supervision order and a two year ASBO after admitting a number of offences which included, possession of an offensive weapon, criminal damage and shop lifting.

Four people were charged in connection with an incident which happened on Sunday 07 July on Corporation Road, Grimsby in the vicinity of the Duke of York Gardens. Rod WOLLIS (21) of Millom Way, Grimsby was charged with attempt murder and violent disorder. Adrian FRANCIS (24) of Corporation Road, Grimsby was charged with Section 18 - GBH and violent disorder. Ashley MEADOWS (26) of Haven Avenue, Grimsby was charged with violent disorder. A 16 year old boy was charged with violent disorder. All appeared at Grimsby Magistrates Court on Thursday 11 July.

Aaron BINGHAM (33) of Stanley Street in Grimsby was charged with Section 18 - wounding with intent and possession of a Class B drug following an incident which happened at the junction of Stanley Street and Oxford Street on Thursday 01 August.

Five people have been arrested and released on bail in connection with a robbery at Betfred on Park Street in Grimsby on Tuesday 23 July. The three men and two women have been released on bail to a date in September pending further enquiries.

Anyone who may wish to report a crime to Humberside Police can do so by calling 101 or call Crimestoppers tel 0800 555 111.

‘Illegal Money Lending’

The recent spat between the Archbishop of Canterbury and Wonga has put into sharp focus the proliferation of money lending companies which have sprung up over recent years. There are, however, others that do not advertise so heavily; ‘business’ often conducted by word of mouth only. I refer to unregulated, illegal money lenders – aka ‘loan sharks’.
Offering money with little or no paperwork to those who usually have poor credit opportunities, loan sharks trap their victims into paying back many times the original sum – the highest calculated APR being a staggering 131,000%! Should payments falter, the once cosy relationship often turns to intimidation, threats and violence with passports, driving licences or bank cards commonly taken as security or to withdraw funds directly from victims’ accounts. A worsening situation often leads to ramping up pressure on the victim by carrying out offences involving drugs, burglary, kidnap and even rape. As loan sharks operate illegally, such criminal methods of coercion are all that can be resorted to in order to enforce payments.
Such activities clearly have a negative effect upon local crime levels where loan sharks operate and a spike in crime is often related to their existence.
The important point to note, however, is that if loans are provided illegally, they are not enforceable in law. The Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) exists to help those caught in this financial dilemma and can, and does, actively seek and successfully prosecute loan sharks using information provided by the public.
Loan sharks are not thought to be a problem in NE Lincs currently but increasing deprivation levels provide perfect operating conditions. 
To stop them, contact the IMLT in confidence on 0300 555 2222.
So take divine inspiration and don’t get caught with a loan shark…it will cost you an arm and a leg.
 

A 33 year old man has been arrested and is currently in custody at Grimsby Police station in connection with a burglary.

Shortly before 1000hrs on Wednesday 18 September two PCSOs were on foot patrol on Littlefield Lane, Grimsby when they were stopped by a female member of the public who reported that she had just seen an unknown man enter a property through what appeared to be a cat flap.

The PCSOs did a search of the outside of the address and located a dog in the rear of the address and whilst carrying out this search, a man exited the property through a large hole in the door, which police believe the woman thought was a cat flap. On seeing the officers the man ran away and was chased by the two PCSOs.

One of the PCSOs managed to detain the man on Thorgam Court, and was assaulted by the offender shortly before police officers arrived who arrested him and took him into Grimsby Police Station.

The PCSO sustained minor injuries to the face and elbow in the incident and was taken to hospital as a precaution.

The quick and effective work of the PCSOs enabled the offender to be arrested and detained quickly.

It is not known if anything has been stolen from the address.

Anyone who can assist police with their enquiries is asked to call Humberside Police tel 101 quoting log 131 of Wednesday 18 September.

ARTICLE THREE ‘Re-Cycling Crime’

Cycle theft is regrettably nothing new. Cycles offer potentially easy targets and a rapid means of escape – a combination that has been exploited by the criminal fraternity for many years. Sadly, the ‘Olympic effect’ on cycle crime has now raised the bar on golden opportunities for offenders who endeavour to avoid being for the long jump after marathon investigative efforts by the Police.
 

Bad puns aside, many people have rightly been inspired by the Olympics resulting in some spending many thousands of pounds on cycles, or taking part in numerous Cycle-to-Work schemes that have sprung up across the area. An expensive bike, therefore, is no longer a rarity…and criminals know this.

Since April 2013, NE Lincs has had over 500 cycle thefts recorded with a large proportion of these stolen from streets. The basics apply that if you lock your bike effectively, using quality (Sold Secure rated) locks, to an immovable object, then your bike will present less of an opportunity to a thief. A rule of thumb is that you should spend at least 10 per cent of the bike’s value on a lock - aiming for a Sold Secure Gold standard if possible. The use of a ground anchor and target hardening of your shed / garage should also be considered to help deter criminals when your bike is stored. The key point is that, as a minimum, your bike should be securely locked wherever it is left…with a quality lock. Initiatives such as The Cycle Hub in Grimsby Town Station provide welcome secure alternatives for cyclists who commute into Town.

As well as physical measures, registering your bike’s frame number and distinguishing features, for free, on the property registry site www.immobilise.com will assist the Police in tracking the bike and hopefully returning it should the worst happen.

You can follow Andy Robinson on Twitter - @HPCrimeRednNEL

A new and improved method aimed at supporting retailers in the fight against shop theft, has been launched in North East Lincolnshire.

Shopwatch is being launched by Humberside Police, in conjunction with Safer and Stronger Communities, on Monday 14 October. The scheme is aimed at helping to reduce retail crime and ASB, and to help make shopping area, in North East Lincolnshire, a safer and more enjoyable place to visit.

Shopwatch will feature an online forum which results in a quicker distribution of information and provides increased information security. The secure website will contain information, which is vital for retail businesses. This will include details of:
•         Anti Social Behaviour Orders
•         Images of offenders
•         CCTV images
•         Police updates on shop theft and retail crime

It will also allow the members of the scheme to share information between themselves, the police and other agencies. It will also mean that if a known offender is in a particular area, other retail premises can be made aware almost instantly.

Retailers can join the scheme by going to the dedicated web page for this area at www.shopwatchnel.co.uk

THINKING of stealing from the shops in and around North East Lincolnshire this Christmas? well you might want to think again as Police launch a crackdown on shop theft and anti social behaviour. 
 

On Saturday 31 November Police Officers, supported by volunteers and Special Constables, held a shop theft day of action to pro actively target shoplifters, beggars and people causing anti social behaviour as well as providing a high visibility presence to offer reassurance to shoppers and create a safe environment for people to come and enjoy doing their Christmas shopping.
 

The day saw around 120 people signed up to immobilse.com. This is a free web-based secure property registration system. It is fully endorsed and searchable by all of the police forces in the country. People are encouraged to log their valuables onto immobilise.com and should they be stolen then you have a higher chance of getting those items back.
 

Police taking part in the day of action arrested three people, all for different offences. A 48 year old man was arrested for a theft from Wilkinson’s in the town centre. He was later charged with that offence and will be appearing at court on 19 December. A 35 year old man was arrested for robbery and he has been released on bail to a date in January pending further enquiries. A 22 year old man was arrested and charged with begging in a public place. He will be appearing at court on 16 December.
 

Sgt Simon Duffield, who lead the day of action said: "This day of action was aimed at reminding those people who are thinking of offending in North East Lincolnshire that we will be proactively watching you and targeting you in the run up to Christmas, and to make the people who visit to do their Christmas shopping feel safe.
 

"During the Christmas period we will be continuing to make use of plain clothed police officers in and around the town centre, PCSOs to help patrol the pedestrian only area to stop cyclists and youths causing anti social behaviour and police volunteers to help engage with the public and deliver the crime prevention messages.
 

"I want people to understand that targeting criminals who commit shop theft and who sit begging around North East Lincolnshire is part of daily business for police and our local partners, however at Christmas commercial premises see an increase in the number of people who come into their stores, so we support them by increasing the hi visibility presence.
 

"The feedback we have had from Saturday has been very positive. We received calls from members of the public, on the day, about people begging. Two of the three people arrested were begging in the town centre so i would like to thank those people for that information and encourage more people to come forward and report offences. We can't be everywhere at once so public information is vital in our fight against crime."
For more information how you can stay safe and keep your valuables secure this festive period then have a look at our Facebook page – search for Humberside Police and look for the #OpYuletide on Twitter. 

As part of Operation Yuletide members of the public are being encouraged to check out Humberside Police’s virtual advent calendar (http://www.billysbadventcalendar.co.uk) with useful videos and messages behind each window throughout December which will help keep them safe this Christmas
 

WEATHER UPDATE - EMERGENCY DECLARED

Communities along the East Coast of the Humber area are warned to brace themselves ahead of what is likely to be the most serious coastal tidal surge for over 30 years in our region.

This has led to a major incident being declared as emergency services and local authorities across the Humber prepare for an ingression of water during high tide periods later this evening from around 1700hrs onwards.

The Environment Agency and Met Office are warning that gale-force winds, large waves and a tidal surge caused by low pressure will combine with high tides today and throughout Friday and to Saturday morning, bringing a risk of significant coastal flooding.

North East Lincolnshire is most likely to be affected by the high tides leading to possible breaches from Immingham, along the coastline to the Humberston Fitties.

Residents living in the areas of Immingham, Grimsby and Cleethorpes close to the River Humber and coast line are advised to start taking precautions. Emergency services and partners are continuing to monitor the likelihood and will ensure that vulnerable members of the community are prioritized.

For the latest information on the weather log on to www.environment-agency.gov.uk, for advice on how to take precautions or where to go in the event of evacuation contact your local council on the following. For latest updates around the region follow us on Twitter #humberflood

For advice in your local area contact the following numbers:

Local Authority Contacts:

North East Lincolnshire Council – Tel 01472

North Lincolnshire Council – 01724 297 000

East Riding Council – 01482 393939

Hull City Council – 01482 300 300

POLICE are asking people to be vigilant and cautious when out doing you Christmas shopping, following the theft of a woman’s purse in Grimsby.

Between 0945hrs and 1015hrs on Thursday 05 December an 86 year old woman was walking along East St Marys Gate in Grimsby. She was pulling behind her a dark blue coloured shopping trolley.

As the woman gets close to McDonalds she was approached by an unknown man, who it is alleged steals her purse from the front pocket of her shopping trolley. The man then runs away in the direction of Bethlehem Street.

The offender is described as white male, aged between 16 to 18 years old and between 5ft 6ins and 5ft 8ins tall. He has short brown hair and was wearing a grey coloured hooded top. The stolen purse is described as a red leather zip up purse with cash inside.

This time of year shops and shopping centres can get extremely busy and this can often make people an easy target for an opportunist thief. Keep all valuables out the way of potential thieves and keep handbags closed and purse, mobile phones and car keys out of sight.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident on East St Marys Gate is asked to call Humberside Police tel 101 quoting crime reference AA/2013208/2013.

DETECTIVES in Grimsby are appealing for help in locating a man who is wanted in connection with an on going police investigation.

Samuel ADESTIMI (38) is believed to have been living at an address in Waltham, Grimsby however when officers have attended the premises it appears he may have left and could be living elsewhere.

Mr ADESTIMI may also be known as Efe PERKINS and/or Otiekono PERKINS.

Anyone who may know the whereabouts of Mr ADESTIMI/PERKINS is asked to call Humberside Police tel 101 quoting log 247 of 26 November 2013.

WANTED BY POLICE! Do you know where they are?

The following people are all wanted by police in North and North East Lincolnshire for failure to appear at Magistrates Courts. Can you tell police where they are?

In an attempt to get the people to hand themselves in officers have posted an exclusive Christmas card through their door. The message inside is simple...... hand yourselves in before Christmas or face the consequences of a Christmas in police custody.

The people whom police are trying to locate is listed below. If you are on this list then please hand yourself into your nearest police station. If you know where these people are then please call Humberside Police tel 101 or call the Southbank Warrants Office tel 01472 264840. All information passed to police is treated in the strictest of confidence.

WANTED: Hayden TURNER (30), of Warneford Road, Cleethorpes. He is wanted for a failure to appear at Scunthorpe Magistrates Court on 03 December 2013.

WANTED: Aaron Ashley WILSON (23), of George Street, Broughton, Brigg is wanted for a failure to appear at Scunthorpe Magistrates Court on 11 December 2013.

WANTED: Maisie SATE (21), (address not known) is wanted for a failure to appear at Grimsby Magistrates Court on 26 November 2013.

WANTED: Jonathan WEST (22) (address not known) is wanted for a failure to appear at Grimsby Magistrates Court on both 06 December and 13th December.