Op Agility: aiming to tackle anti-social behaviour in Immingham

Op Agility is focused on helping solve the problems that matter most to residents of Immingham from nuisance bike riders to fly-tipping.

So far, there have been multi-agency days of action, drugs dog searches and Op Yellowfin (a Humberside Police initiative aimed at tackling motorbike ASB) activity dedicated to making Immingham a safer community.

The multi-agency response has included NELC, Immingham town council, Equans, Environmental team, WISE, local ward councillors and Lincolnshire Housing Partnership (LHP). In total, the town has seen five Days of Action since the launch of the initiative in March.

Three of the days of action, led by Humberside Police, involved the use of drugs dogs and were informed by feedback from businesses and community members, alongside ongoing policing efforts. As a result, officers carried stop searches and also gathered valuable information.

Education is a key part of Op Agility, with teams visiting schools in the area to educate pupils about the responsible use of motor vehicles. Teams also spoke to parents outside Pilgrim Academy to discuss the use of such transport in the local area.

During the multi-agency day of action, members from all partner agencies conducted a ward walk, actively listening to residents to gain a deeper understanding of their concerns.

With foundations firmly in place, North East Lincolnshire Council, Humberside Police and others are committed to tackling the ASB and nuisance behaviour, addressing community concerns with plans to continue Op Agility in the coming months.

Sergeant Katie Call, leading the initiative, said: "We know the impact antisocial behaviour and related crime can have on residents. That’s why we’ve launched Operation Agility, an initiative dedicated to tackling ASB in Immingham. By working closely with our partners, we provide a multiagency response to crime, with the aim to further improve community safety.

‘’Since the launch of Operation Agility, we’ve already seen a positive impact and remain committed to building on this progress. With proactive days of action carried out, including drugs dog operations and multi-agency ward walks, we’ve seen increased engagement during our day-to-day activities and through public initiatives like Humber Talking.

‘’As part of the operation, our efforts are centred on days of action, including hotspot patrolling, proactive policing, and problem-solving initiatives. By fostering strong partnerships and collaborating closely with the community, we are addressing local concerns, protecting vulnerable individuals, and striving to improve the overall environment in Immingham.

‘’We encourage residents to report any concerns or incidents to us or the relevant agencies. Every report is invaluable, helping us gather essential information to improve safety and tackle crime effectively.

‘’We’ll continue to do everything within our power to bring those responsible for crimes in Humberside to justice, so that residents feel safe, and victims receive the justice they deserve."

Councillor Ron Shepherd, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, added: “Op Agility is a great approach by a number of different agencies. We are listening to the people of Immingham; dedicated to making a difference and tackling the issues they’ve highlighted.”

Councillor Stewart Swinburn, a long standing Immingham resident, added: “Having lived here most of my life, I and others welcome this support from the likes of Humberside Police and North East Lincolnshire Council.

“Issues like fly tipping and ASB are something I know a lot of residents are concerned about and we want to do everything we can to alleviate these fears and ensure the town is a safe place for both residents and visitors.”