Theft, assault on a child, arson and assault with bodily harm were among the crimes flagged up by Disclosure and Barring Service checks (DBS) on people applying to work in Lincoln schools.

According to data obtained through a Freedom of Information Request by The Lincolnite, a total of 85 convictions, cautions, warnings and reprimands were highlighted by DBS checks requested by Lincoln schools in the last four years.

The crimes recorded on the Police National Computer (PNC) were released on certificates where individuals applied for jobs at educational institutions in the postal areas LN1 to LN6.

The statistics related to school position applications received between January 1, 2010 and January 1, 2014.

Positions from catering staff, nurses and admin to heads of department and directors were applied for by candidates who had a history of a range of offences.

Some 48 males and 37 females with crimes recorded on the PNC appeared in the Lincoln statistics.

The most common offence marked by male applicants was driving a motor vehicle with excess alcohol, with six candidates having been charged, cautioned, warned or reprimanded of the crime.

The most common offence highlighted by female applicants was shoplifting, with 13 candidates flagging up a history of the offence.

The crime associated with the most applicants was theft, with 25 people accountable for individual incidents.

Other crimes associated with people wanting to work with children included having an imitation firearm with the intention to commit indictable offence, assaulting with actual bodily harm and producing controlled drugs.

The DBS said that the purpose of the check is to enable the employer to make an informed recruitment decision based on the information released on the certificate.

The decision whether or not to recruit an applicant based on the disclosure check is solely down to the employer, unless a person is barred.

Police have released more photographs of the four pedigree dogs stolen from a property in a Lincoln village.

As previously reported, the four brown and white female Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were taken in a burglary on May 27 between 10.20am and 3pm from Sturton Road in Ingleby.

The padlocks on the dogs’ kennels were damaged in order to take the dogs.

Three of the dogs are eight-years-old and one is 12. All have been microchipped.

Lincolnshire Police are continuing their enquiries.

A spokesman for the force said: “The owner of the spaniels is understandably distraught over the theft of these four dogs, one of which is quite old, and is desperate to get them back.

“We are appealing for anyone who might have seen or heard anything suspicious, or even out of place in Ingleby, to get in touch with police because the more information we have the better chance we stand of finding the person or people who took these dogs.

“This is a very rare thing to happen and if you have seen any of these dogs or know of anyone who may suddenly have acquired any brown and white Cavalier King Charles Spaniels please do let us know.”

Anyone with information should contact Lincolnshire Police on 101 quoting incident 386 of May 27. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A car stolen in a burglary from a home in Branston village was later set on fire in a Lincoln park.

The initial burglary happened overnight between May 29 and 30 on Earlsfield in Branston, while the occupiers slept.

Offenders broke into the property, stole an amount of cash, binoculars, a purse, a handbag, a mobile phone, car keys, and drove away with a red Skoda Octavia.

The occupier reported the incident (number 70 of May 30) at around 8.20am.

Meanwhile, the Skoda Octavia stolen in the burglary was driven on a pathway near Sycamore Close in Lincoln, leading into Hartsholme Park.

The car was then set on fire. Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue attended the blaze at 4.36am, using one hose reel jet to extinguish the fire.

No-one was injured in the incident, which police consider to be arson (incident 50 of May 30). The car was completely destroyed in the blaze.

It is not known at this stage if the arson is related to the five other cars set alight in the area over the past month.

Anyone with any information on the burglary or arson should contact Lincolnshire Police on 101 quoting the incident numbers provided.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 111 555.

Lincolnshire Police have launched their summer campaign to tackle drivers under the influence of alcohol, and want people to text them details of people they know to be drink or drug driving.

The campaign along Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership focuses on the BBQ season, when people are likely to enjoy drinks with friends then consider driving home.

Part of a national drive, the new campaign asks local residents to text 80800 with the word “Drink” plus details and whereabouts of someone they know to be drink or drug driving.

Police officers will use the information to stop, arrest and potentially process the driver through the courts.

Last year during the campaign, police made nearly 100 arrests in just the first month.

This text number is for non-emergencies; if people see someone under the influence already driving, police say they need to call 999 instead.

In addition to the SMS campaign, police will also be doing roadside checks at all times of the day.

During these checks, officers will use FIT (Field Impairment Test) to test drivers for the effects of drugs and drink.

The Road Safety Partnership explained drivers have a responsibility to make sure they are fit to drive.

They say people may think they are able to drive due to the body processing alcohol at roughly one unit per hour, but different factors can affect the calculation.

These include age, gender, weight, body mass, metabolism, general health, type of alcohol and liver health.

A Lincoln security guard was grabbed and threatened with a knife during an assault in a Lincoln village.

The incident happened on May 29 and around 6.40pm on a site near the Riverside business park in Saxilby.

The security guard was doing his rounds when two men approached him; one grabbed him around the neck and took out a knife.

The grabbing caused some redness but there was no injury caused by the knife.

Afterwards the men rode off on bicycles along the Fossdyke canal towards the A57, Saxilby.

One offender is described as white and in his mid-twenties, about 5’9″ tall and of slim build. He had short black hair and was wearing a light coloured baseball cap, hoodie or jumper light in colour and light coloured gloves of a leather-like material.

The second man was white and in his mid-twenties and about 5ft 7″ tall of medium build. He had stubble and short blonde hair. He was wearing a light blue colour crew neck jumper, which was covered in dust.

Police are asking anyone who may have seen the two men in the area to contact Lincolnshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 372 of May 29.

A Lincoln man was shoved, pushed and mugged of his mobile phone by a group of men at the weekend.

The incident on Brayford Wharf East was reported to police at 3.52am on June 1.

The 20-year-old victim was approached by a group of four men who assaulted and robbed him of his mobile phone.

The only description of the men was that they were wearing dark clothes and one of them was on a bicycle.

Anyone who might have witnessed the incident, or saw a group of men resembling the one described in the area at the time, are asked to call Lincolnshire Police on 101, quoting incident 95 of June 1.

One month in, a Lincolnshire Police operation to tackle begging in Lincoln has dealt with 23 beggars.

As previously reported, Operation Applaud was launched on April 28 to crackdown on anti-social behaviour, street drinking offences and begging.

Since its launch, 23 people have been dealt with for begging within the city.

This led to six arrests and eight charges, and the others at various stages of the process prior to charge.

In street drinking offences, officers have also sent three people to the Street Drinking group which tries to address the reasons behind the issue.

Residents have also helped police with their campaign, reporting 20 street drinking incidents to the force.

Inspector Pat Coates, who heads up local Policing of the City Centre, said: “Overall I think it has been a very positive start to the operation, we have so far seen a noticeable decrease in street drinking in the city when compared with last year and by taking the action we have in relation to begging we again hope to see a reduction in people begging in the city centre.”

The campaign hopes to ensure anyone in the city can use the area without fear or intimidation.

Police work with a number of different agencies to address street drinking and begging effectively, and supports the priorities set by the Joint Community Safety Partnership of Substance Misuse, Drug and Alcohol and of Anti-Social Behaviour.

If a resident has concerns about street drinking or begging in their area, they are advised to speak to their local policing team or call 101.

Police are investigating the ‘unexplained’ death of a woman in Lincoln.

Police were called to a home on Baggholme Road in Lincoln just after midnight on Saturday, May 31.

Emergency services attended and a 28-year-old woman was taken to Lincoln County Hospital.

Upon arrival, the woman was pronounced dead.

Police are treating her death as unexplained and opened an investigation into the case.

A post mortem on the woman’s body is expected to be carried out later this week.

City Council officers and police can now seize dogs out of control on private land under new rules introduced last month.

Owners of dangerous dogs face tougher sentences under changes made to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 in May.

The act now covers incidents and attacks on private property, which includes gardens, and means City of Lincoln Council officers and police can seize out of control dogs on private property.

The Dangerous Dogs Act applies to every dog owner in England and Wales and makes it a criminal offence for them to allow their pet to be “dangerously out of control” in a public.

Sam Barstow, Service Manager at the City Council for Public Protection and Anti-Social Behaviour, said: “These latest changes represent a shift in terms of how we deal with dangerous dogs.

“It affords greater powers for seizure of dogs where officers believe they are dangerously out of control.

“It also allows action to be taken for dogs that are dangerously out of control on private property, which the police were unable to take action on before.

“Dog owners need to remember that even if a dog does not bite, but makes someone feel threatened, the law still applies.

“This means you need to make sure that your dog is kept under control and that visitors, such as the postman, can safely get to your front door without encountering your dog.

“This change in legislation means all dog owners must ensure their dog is under control when they open the door, otherwise they risk committing a criminal offence.”

The prison sentence for an owner where a dog has caused death has also risen from two to 14 years, or up to five years where injury occurs.

To report an out of control or dangerous dog in Lincoln, call the Public Protection and Anti-Social Behaviour Team on 01522 873378.

Attacks should also be reported to the police by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.

Three men have been arrested after a man was found lying on a Lincoln street with a serious head injury.

Police attended the incident at around 3.45pm on June 2 on Belmont Street.

The 41-year-old Lincoln man was found my a member of the public, who called for an ambulance.

He was taken to Lincoln County Hospital where he is currently being treated for a serious head injury.

Three Lincoln men aged 20, 22, and 25, were arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm.

Officers believe the man was injured at a property on Belmont Street between 2pm and 3.45pm yesterday, then walked up Belmont Street before being helped by a member of the public.

Anyone who may have seen or heard any disturbance in the area, saw the injured man, or have any information relating to the incident should call Lincolnshire Police on 101, quoting incident 326 of June 2.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Lincolnshire Police is appealing for information to help find the owner of a bike that was stolen from Lincoln student accommodation.

The bike is believed to have been stolen from Hayes Wharf on Carholme Road on the evening of Monday, June 2.

The white bicycle is white and has a basket on the front.

Officers would also like to hear from anyone at Hayes Wharf who may have been a victim of a break-in or who may have noticed any of their personal possessions have gone missing.

If you are the owner of the bike, or know who is, please contact Lincolnshire Police as soon as possible on 101.

Anyone who saw or heard anything or anyone suspicious around the area on the evening of June 2 should also contact the force.

Call Lincolnshire Police on 101, referencing the stolen bike or related incidents, and ask for DS Dave Harrop.

Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A woman had to be rescued after she got into difficulty when having a swim at 4am in Brayford Pool in Lincoln.

The incident happened on May 27, near to Brayford Quays on Brayford Wharf North.

Police said the 20-year-old woman was swimming in the Brayford but got into difficulty.

Officers attended to help the woman, who was taken to hospital as a precaution, but was not seriously injured.

Lincolnshire Police also thanked three members of the public who assisted their rescue.

John Beaumont, a security guard at the University of Lincoln, helped officers pull the woman from the water to safety.

Meanwhile, Mark Jackson and Emma Thompson gave the woman clothing to help warm her up and look after her belongings.

A statement from Lincolnshire Police said: “Thank you to all of you.

“It was with help from you that Lincolnshire Police officers were able to quickly and effectively respond and provide assistance, ensuring the woman concerned was subsequently safe and well.”

The man found with a head injury on Belmont Street on Monday is still in hospital, in a serious but stable condition, police said.

As previously reported, the 41-year-old man was found injured on the street in Lincoln on June 2 at around 3.45pm.

On Wednesday morning, Lincolnshire Police said he is still being treated for the injury to his head at Lincoln County Hospital.

Officers also arrested three men aged 20, 22 and 25 on suspicion of hurting the 41-year-old.

They have since been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Detectives would like to hear from anyone who may have seen or heard any disturbance in the Belmont Street area around the time, or who saw the injured man.

Anyone with any information related to this incident is asked to contact Lincolnshire Police on 101 quoting incident 326 of 02/06/2014.

Alternatively they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The four pedigree dogs that were taken during a burglary at a property in a Lincoln village have arrived home safely.

As previously reported, the four brown and white female Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, one of which is elderly, were taken in a burglary on May 27 from Sturton Road in Ingleby.

On Tuesday evening Coningsby Kennels found four Spaniels roaming along Ivy Lane, some 40 miles away from where they went missing.

The dogs were discovered after the neighbour of the dog rescue centre in Coningsby called the kennels, asking if they had lost four dogs.

All four were found dirty and in need of feeding.

The rescue took the dogs straight into its care and later realised they were the four missing Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

According the the kennels, the owner of the dogs visited to pick them up as soon as she was notified.

Lincolnshire Police are yet to be contacted to confirm the dogs are safe and well.

Police and Trading Standards raided a legal highs shop on Lincoln High Street and confiscated several psychoactive substances.

They seized 645 packets of legal highs from Marley’s Head Shop in a raid on June 4.

Although these products are referred to as legal, the substances have not been tested, so their effects can be unpredictable and extremely dangerous.

The so-called legal highs can also contain banned substances — making them illegal under consumer safety regulations.

Ian Newell, service manager for Lincolnshire Trading Standards, said: “Following intelligence that we have collected with Lincolnshire Police, we believe that these products could be seriously dangerous to the health of our county’s residents.

“We have a duty to protect them, so we have seized the stock.

“We will now extensively test the products in an attempt to prove they could jeopardize the health of consumers.

“We hope that our findings can lead to a successful prosecution against the business owner, and send out a strong message other people who could be selling these products.

“It will also help us to raise awareness to would-be users of legal highs that they might not be as harmless as they appear.”

Inspector Pat Coates said: “Lincolnshire Police are taking this issue very seriously.

“This has been part of an ongoing operation to tackle the sale and usage of these substances and a number of items were seized from the shop.

“These so-called ‘legal highs’ can come with a significant health risk for anyone who uses them and we are doing everything in our power to make sure they are not easily and readily available on our high streets.

“We hope this operation will show the local community, and those further afield, how committed we are to tackling this issue.”

Figures released by Crimestoppers show that the number of arrests and charges made through their referrals in the past 12 months in Lincolnshire has grown by more than 64%.

The crime-fighting organisation revealed that the charity passed on over 650 pieces of information to the police in the last year.

Across the UK, information passed onto the police by Crimestoppers increased slightly by just over one per cent, whilst the value of goods recovered also rose, with over £3.3 million worth seized.

Since Crimestoppers was formed in 1988, over 128,000 people have been arrested and charged, while 1.5 million pieces of information have been passed onto law enforcement agencies.

With the independent charity celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2013, they say the increase highlights a growing awareness of its work in local communities, while also highlighting the significant role the public plays in the fight against crime.

Regional Manager for Lincolnshire, Kiran Dhanda, said: “What these results represent is a continued effort from the public and Crimestoppers to keep our communities safe and bring wanted criminals to justice.

“I cannot thank our local communities enough for their efforts and for trusting us with their information – and to our volunteers who dedicate so much of their time to ensure we continue the fight to provide a crime free community.”

The charity also put the numbers down to the number of dedicated volunteers, of which there are over 600.

This week is also National Volunteers Week, where the role of volunteers in Lincolnshire is being recognised in the effort help tackle the crimes affecting the area.

Lincolnshire Crimestoppers are currently seeking skills and experience in leading the committee as a Chair/Vice Chair, fundraising, PR, marketing and web-editing, and project management.

Dhanda added: “With your help, you can make these results even better next year by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously about criminal activity you are aware of by contacting us on 0800 555 111 or through our Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”

Update on June 9: Two of the three parrots have now been found, according to Lincolnshire Police.

The parrots were stolen from an outbuilding in a property on Queensway.

The two recovered parrots were found by two separate people and returned to the owner.

PCSO Melanie Goodwill said: “We are hoping that the third will be recovered before too long. Thank you for all the support and sharing this information because I believe it puts a lot of pressure on the criminals — it makes it harder for them to pass on the ‘goods’.”

Lincolnshire Police are looking to trace three parrots stolen from their home in a Lincoln village.

The incident happened in Saxilby on June 7, some time between 8.30am and 11.20pm.

Three African Grey parrots valued up to £900 were stolen from their home.

The owners are keen to trace the parrots because one has asthma and needs medication.

Apparently all the birds are talkative but one can be quite vicious.

Anyone who may have seen the parrots should contact Lincolnshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 522 of June 7, 2014.

Lincolnshire Police have formally named the woman from Baggholme Road whose death is still unexplained.

The woman was Tessa Wilson, 28, from Lincoln.

As previously reported, police attended a property on Baggholme Road, Lincoln, on May 31 just after midnight.

Emergency services attended and she was taken to Lincoln County Hospital. Upon arrival however, the woman was pronounced dead.

A post mortem was carried out; now officers await the results of tests to determine the exact cause of her death.

Her family say she was “very much loved” by all members of the family.

An inquest into her death will now take place after it was opened by the coroner on June 6.

Lincolnshire Police have charged 22 people in the county with drink driving offences in the first 10 days of their summer campaign.

The campaign, which was launched on June 1, aims to tackle drivers under the influence of alcohol.

Officers asked people to text 80800 with details of anyone they know to be drink driving.

Among those charged so far were drivers in Lincoln.

One Lincoln driver was arrested on June 8 for the offence on Riseholme Road after allegedly scoring an alcohol level of 69 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath.

The legal alcohol limit is 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath.

The force’s Christmas campaign, which began in December 2013, saw twelve people from Lincoln and 74 motorists in the county charged with drink driving.

The details of those charged were published for the duration of the campaign, for varying lengths of time.

Police say that, for fairness, the names and details of those charged during the 2014 summer operation will be published on the campaign’s web page for 24 hours only.

Car parks in Lincoln has received a safety award from the Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner.

PCC Alan Hardwick presented the City of Lincoln Council with the ParkMark award for all its car parks on June 10.

ParkMark is given to car parks by police when they maintain the Safer Parking Scheme.

The scheme aims to reduce crime and the fear of crime in car parks, using proper surveillance, lighting, management and a clean environment.

PCC Alan Hardwick said: “I am very pleased that City of Lincoln Council’s car parks have again achieved the stringent standards of the ParkMark scheme.

“Keeping crime levels in car parks at a low is a real priority for both the police and the City Council.

“We want to continue making sure that customers of these car parks feel confident that both their vehicle and they themselves are safe when making use of some of the wonderful attractions Lincolnshire has to offer.”

City Services Team Leader Rod Williamson added: “This national scheme, administered by the British Parking Association on behalf of the police, demonstrates car parks having achieved very low crime levels through having effective surveillance, high quality management, appropriate lighting and good site maintenance.

“Customers to city council car parks can expect, and deserve, protection from the scourge of crime and the fear of crime itself,” he added.