A cyber crime expert working for Lincolnshire Police has warned business and residents that they are “all vulnerable”, to malicious malware attacks.

As previously reported, Lincolnshire County Council was targeted by a malicious ‘ransomware’ attack disguised as an email invoice on January 26, bringing up the message ‘give us a million pounds’.

Officers investigating the incident gathered further evidence that the malware was demanding $500 in Bitcoin (a digital asset and payment system), which would increase if not paid.

Police forces are reinforcing their messages on cyber security and protecting computers following services returning to normal at the council.

Detective Sergeant Carole Walton, Regional Cyber-Crime Protect Officer, estimates that around 80% of cyber attacks can be prevented.

She said: “We need to arm people with knowledge and encourage vigilance in the fight against this unseen villain.

“Unfortunately, what happened at Lincolnshire County Council is not uncommon. Far from it. It serves as a reminder that we all need to increase our education and raise our awareness in terms of protecting ourselves and our businesses.

“We need to exercise the caution we apply in ‘real life’ to protecting ourselves and our data online. We would not put all our valuables in a box and store them in an unlocked shed, we understand how to prevent traditional crime and we now need to apply these principles to everything we do online.

“Email is a particular tool that fraudsters use as a means of accessing and ‘tricking’ a potential victim. If you follow some very basic rules you will dramatically decrease you chances of become a victim of fraud or malware.

“Delete spam emails – do not respond or forward them – and never open a link or attachment that you are not sure is genuine. If in any doubt delete.”

Specially trained police officers spent eight hours talking down a man who threatened to jump off a multi-storey car park on Lincoln’s Brayford waterfront.

A section of the waterfront between the Odeon cinema and Lucy Tower Street was cordoned off overnight on Monday, February 1 while emergency services dealt with the man on the top level of Lucy Tower car park.

He had stated he wished to harm himself and potentially jump from the top level of the building.

He was eventually brought away from the car park in the early hours of Tuesday, February 2.

His health and welfare needs are currently being addressed.

A Lincolnshire Police spokesperson said: “At around 8.30pm officers responded to reports of concern for safety for a man at Lucy Tower car park in Lincoln.

“Upon arrival officers found a man at the top level of the car park who stated he wished to cause himself harm and potentially jump from the building.

“Specially trained officers were deployed to talk to the man and after eight hours he was eventually brought from the car park to safety early this morning (Tuesday February 2). His health and welfare needs are currently being addressed.

“It was necessary to cordon off the area to traffic and pedestrians as a matter of public safety and so that officers could deal with the incident as safely and in as managed a way as possible.”

Persistent anti-social behaviour in an uphill Lincoln shopping area has forced Lincolnshire Police to once again enforce a dispersal order this week.

The Carlton Centre has previously been blighted by troublemakers who have inconvenienced both shoppers and businesses, with orders enforced to ban them from returning for a set period.

A Section 35 Dispersal Order was put in place on Tuesday, February 2 until 4.20pm on Thursday, February 4 Carlton Centre, Deacon Road, Tesco Wragby Road in response to ongoing disruptive behaviour.

Any person who is issued with a dispersal order in this time will not be permitted to return within 48 hours.

If the ban is breached, the person will then be arrested.

The order also gives a power to take any person under 16, who has been given a direction to leave, to their home address or a place of safety.

Inspector Pat Coates said previously: “We are specifically asking parents to question where their sons and daughters are going in the evening and talk to them about their behaviour.

“Whilst we do not want to interfere with young people socialising, we expect their behaviour to be acceptable.”

Lincolnshire Police are appealing for help to trace a missing Lincolnshire man who was last seen on Monday, February 1.

Robert Taylor, 51, set off from his home in Sleaford at 11.30am.

Officers say his family are very concerned because Robert has not made any contact since he left, and for him to go missing is very out of character.

Robert did not have his wallet or medication with him which is adding to his family’s worries.

It is thought that Robert was wearing a green polo shirt with grey / brown cargo trousers but it is not known which coat he may have taken.

Anyone who has information or thinks they may have seen him should contact 101.

Motorists were met with gridlocked traffic on the A46 Dunholme bypass north of Lincoln after a four car collision.

The pile-up happened at around 11.10am on Thursday, February 4.

The drivers of two of the cars were taken to Lincoln County Hospital with what police described as “miscellaneous injuries”, which are not thought to be life threatening.

The road was closed for a number of hours whilst the vehicles were recovered and an oil spillage was dealt with by the Highways Department.

Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to call the 101 non-emergency number or the Collision Witness Hotline on 01522 558855.

They should quote incident number 114 of February 4, 2016.

Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner Alan Hardwick has confirmed that he will not be seeking re-election for the role in May’s election.

Hardwick announced his decision at a meeting of the Police and Crime Panel on Friday, February 5, which discussed Lincolnshire Police’s budget proposals for the 2016-17 financial year.

Plans including a rise in police council tax precept of 1.96% were approved at the meeting, and the current numbers of 1,100 police officers and 149 PCSOs will be maintained.

The 66-year-old became the county’s first PCC in 2012, after standing as an Independent.

He said: “I am simply retiring but I can do so knowing that I have achieved what I have set out to do as commissioner.

“Crime has reduced, a fair deal for Lincolnshire is on its way and we continue to deliver performance that is as good as and, in many cases, better than more well-funded police areas.

“Whoever my successor is, I wish them the very best.”

Candidates announced as standing in the election are Marc Jones for the Conservatives and Victoria Ayling for UKIP.

The PCC election takes place on May 5.

Police have launched an investigation into the death of a man whose body was discovered down a city centre passageway.

The 39-year-old man, reportedly homeless, was found by a member of the public on Greyfriars pathway near to Lincoln Central Library, off Free School Lane, at around 6am on Saturday, February 6.

Free School Lane was closed off for the majority of the day as emergency services dealt with the incident.

The man has not yet been identified and the cause of his death is unknown at the time of reporting.

An underwater search unit was called to a Lincolnshire drainage dyke on the morning of Monday, February 8 after a body was discovered by a member of the public.

The body of a male was found in the dyke off Sutton Road, Trusthorpe.

A member of the public alerted police at 8.30am and an underwater search unit is on scene to assist with recovering the body on behalf of the coroner.

The body is believed to be that of a man but he has not yet been identified.

Lincolnshire Police say his death will be treated as unexplained until the results of a post-mortem are known.

Lincolnshire Police are increasing patrols in the Boultham Park area after officers seized a quantity of nitrous oxide canisters – otherwise known as ‘laughing gas’.

Officers discovered the canisters in Boultham Park and Westwick Gardens in Lincoln.

The force and partner agencies have expressed concern for the effect they will be having on users of the product.

Nitrous oxide, or ‘laughing gas’, is a substance with a number of legitimate uses in medicine and catering. It is also however a popular recreational drug amongst young people.

Officers stated: “Inhaling nitrous oxide can be dangerous and can lead to loss of blood pressure, fainting and even heart attack.

“Prolonged exposure to nitrous oxide may also result in bone marrow suppression and poisoning of the central nervous system.

“These risks are likely to be exacerbated if the exposure to the gas is combined with alcohol or other drugs.”

PCSO Matt Flack has said the local policing team, along with the special constabulary, will be increasing patrols in the area over coming weeks to highlight the dangers of using the product.

Anyone with concerns with regards to nitrous oxide can discuss them with PCSO Flack, he can be contacted on 07939996773 or matthew.flack@lincs.pnn.police.uk.

Lincolnshire Police have told would-be drug dealers that their actions will be not be tolerated in the county, after 13 members of a notorious gang were sentenced.

As reported earlier, car dealer and drug baron Jonathan Ferry was jailed for 16 years at Lincoln Crown Court on February 8.

The court heard that Ferry headed the Grantham-based gang which brought in hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of drugs from Manchester and Nottinghamshire during a nine month period.

In total, 12 men received jail sentences with a combined total of 113 years and 10 months.

The 13th defendant, Francesca Moynihan, 23, of Hawthorn Drive, Salford, was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment suspended for two years with 120 hours of unpaid work in the community.

Following the case, Deputy Chief Constable Heather Roach said: “We won’t tolerate this kind of operation and we will go that extra mile to bring people to justice.

“If anybody does step into their shoes we’ll look to do the same again. Hopefully, this significant event will be a deterrent to people taking any kind of activity like this forward.”

Chief Inspector Mark Kirwan of Grantham Police added: “The community will be rid of these individuals for a significant amount of time and the scourge that they brought with them.

“Our Grantham community is already feeding back to us saying they all glad to get rid of these people and they feel reassured that the police have dealt with this issue head on.

“We cannot always explain what we are doing and how we do it but hopefully this end result will send a clear message that Lincolnshire will not tolerate organised illegal drug supply.”

Lincolnshire Police have charged two men with an assault inside a Lincoln health practice which saw an Asian man attacked in front of his family.

As previously reported, a man in his 30s was assaulted inside the lift and on the ground floor of the Newland Health Centre on Friday, January 22.

Police have treated the incident as a hate crime as they “believe that the victim was targeted because of his appearance”.

Gareth Williams, 47, of St Rumbold Street in Lincoln, has been charged with racially aggravated assault and assault.

He has also been charged with using threatening or abusive words or behaviour in relation to a separate incident at the Co-op store on Boultham Park Road on December 18.

Drew Fraser, 20, also of St Rumbold Street in Lincoln, has been charged with assault in relation to the health practice incident.

Both men have been bailed to appear at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, April 14.

A 22-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder following an incident at a paintballing centre in Lincolnshire.

Lincolnshire Police were called to Ancaster Paintballing and Karting Centrethe at just after 4pm on Saturday, February 6 following reports of an assault on a 30-year-old man who had sustained head injuries.

Officers arrested Nathan Joseph, 22, (of no fixed address) shortly afterwards in connection with the incident and he has now been charged with attempted murder.

He appeared at Lincoln District Magistrates Court on Monday, February 8 and has been remanded in custody to appear before Lincoln Crown Court on March 7.

The injured man remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Investigating officers are appealing for anyone who was at the Paintballing and Karting Centre on Saturday February 6 to contact them on the non-emergency number 101 quoting incident 271.

A police spokesperson added: “Whether they witnessed the incident or not. We are also keen to speak to anyone else who may have information about the incident.”

Lincolnshire Police are warning motorists to remain vigilant and remove any high value items from vehicles after a spate of thefts in the Lincoln.

Four incidents have been reported within the last few days, the majority of which have involved the theft of sat nav systems.

On February 5 a Ford parked at the Lincolnshire Poacher on Bunkers Hill was broken into and a sat nav stolen from inside. (Incident 384 of February 5)

On February 8 a Land Rover Discovery parked in a car park next to the Lincolnshire Poacher was targeted and a camera and money were taken from inside. (Incident 358 of February 8)

In the early hours of Tuesday, February 9 an Audi parked on Sudbrooke Drive was broken into and a sat nav stolen from inside and a sat nav was also stolen from a Ford transit parked on Redbourne Drive. (Incidents 45 and 57 of February 9).

A Lincolnshire Police spokesperson said: “Please remember to remove any high value items from your vehicles when you are away from them, even if it is only for a short space of time, or keep them well hidden from view.

“If you have information about any of the incidents above please contact us on the non-emergency number 101 quoting any of the incident numbers as above.”

A man from Lincoln has been given an eight year jail sentence for two offences of rape and one of assaulting a police officer.

Appearing at Lincoln Crown Court, Steven Saint, 37, whose last known address was Lincoln, was sentenced for rape and assault while resisting arrest.

The offences took place in the south of the county and date back to August 2015.

Speaking after sentencing the Investigating Officer Detective Constable Jacquie Crozier of Operation Emerald, said: “Steven Saint has pleaded guilty today and starts his sentence.

“My thoughts today are with the victim who has shown particular strength and bravery against a violent man”.

Operation Emerald is a team of specially trained officers and experienced detectives committed and dedicated to rape investigation.

A motorist was rushed to hospital with serious injuries after a two-vehicle crash on the Lincoln bypass.

The collision on the A46 near the Whisby Garden Centre happened at around 9.50pm on February 9.

Lincolnshire Police have said that the crash involved a white Ford Transit and silver Daewoo, with both drivers from the Lincoln area.

Firefighters were called to the scene of the crash to release one of the motorists trapped in their car.

Update for RTC on A46 Lincoln Bypass – Crews used cutting gear to remove the roof of 1 car & released the driver into the care of paramedics

— Lincs Fire & Rescue (@LincsFireRescue) February 10, 2016

The driver of the Daewoo was taken to the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham with what police are describing as “serious” injuries.

The road reopened again at midnight.

Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to contact Lincolnshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 427 of February 9.

Lincolnshire Police have reissued their appeal to trace 51-year-old Robert Taylor, who hasn’t been seen for 10 days.

As previously reported, Robert was last seen setting off from his home in Sleaford at 11.30 on Monday February 1.

Police say Robert’s family are very concerned, stating he has not made any contact since he left. For him to go missing is very out of character.

Robert did not have his wallet or medication with him, which is adding to his family’s worries.

It is thought that he was wearing a green polo shirt with grey / brown cargo trousers but it is not known which coat he may have taken.

Anyone who thinks they may have seen Robert or has information that could help find him should call police on 101.

Police have arrested six people, including a pregnant woman, suspected of entering the UK illegally after they were spotted walking along a main road in the south of the county.

Four men and two women were arrested on the afternoon of Tuesday, February 9 on the A151 Holbeach Road in Spalding, near to the Mcdonalds restaurant.

Reports indicate they were from Ethiopia. Their means of travel into the UK is unknown.

Lincolnshire Police are ensuring their welfare needs are met and the UK Border Agency are investigating.

A Facebook trader has been exposed as selling fake clothing and technological equipment after being caught out by a raid.

Lincolnshire Trading Standards and Lincolnshire Police officers worked together to execute the warrant at the home of the seller in Gainsborough, recovering a number of counterfeit goods in the process.

Clothing and footwear bearing various trademarks, quantities of possible counterfeit cigarettes, electronic tablets and a number of mobile phones were seized as part of the raid.

Although not found at the property, the culprit’s Facebook page also ­advertised GHD hair straighteners, MAC make-up, bags and perfume.

The cheap prices indicated they were not genuine.

Joanne Hocking, senior trading standards officer at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “We don’t take this type of crime lightly.

“Our message is simple – if you are selling fake goods on Facebook or on other social media sites, we will catch you.

“Our advice to consumers is that if you are in a Facebook group of ‘things for sale in Lincoln’, ‘films for sale in Boston’ etc, please don’t assume that you are getting a bargain from a chap down the road who has some goods to sell.

“Please be cautious, as ultimately the people behind shipping in these goods in bulk are organised gangs and the money filters through to activities like ­prostitution, guns and drugs.

“Ultimately – think before you buy. If something seems too good to be true – it probably is!”

Anyone who sees counterfeit goods for sale should contact Citizens Advice on 03454 04 05 06.

Lincolnshire Police officers have little understanding of how to use their stop and search powers appropriately and have a greater than average use of tasers, according to a new report.

A police legitimacy report published by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) on February 11 has ranked the force overall as ‘good’ at keeping people safe and reducing crime.

However, the report was far less complimentary about Lincolnshire Police’s use of stop and search, stating that “officers have a lack of understanding in relation to what constitutes reasonable grounds for a search.”

A total of 5,930 stop and searches were carried out in 12 months up to end of March 2015 by the force.

HMIC inspectors noted that police’s stop and search records did not always include “sufficient reasonable grounds” to justify the lawful use of the power.

The report also claimed that the force is not complying with recording and publishing outcomes, monitoring the impact of stop and search on young people and black, Asian and minority ethnic groups (BAME).

Nor is it providing opportunities for the public to observe officers using the power.

Inspectors also monitored the use of tasers by Lincolnshire Police, revealing that they were used 332 times in the 12 months up to end of December 2014.

The use of tasers represented 4.5 times for every 10,000 people in the county, far greater than the average for Lincolnshire Police’s most similar group of forces, which was 2.0 times per 10,000 population.

However, during the same time period, tasers were ‘discharged’ on 53 occasions out of the 332 times it was used.

This equated to 16% of overall use, less than the force’s most similar group average of 19%.

Inspectors concluded that on balance taser use by the force was fair and appropriate.

Despite this, Lincolnshire Police have acknowledged that they still need to improve their performance in the recording of the use of taser.

The report also praised Lincolnshire Police for establishing an ethical culture and supporting the wellbeing of staff.

Complaints from the public were dealt with fairly and consistently in a way that was free from bias, according to inspectors.

The report added: “The involvement of local people in policing activities, especially as volunteers, is commendable.

“Training on the National Decision Model (NDM) ensures that officers and staff are knowledgeable and have the skills required to treat members of the public fairly and with respect.”

Deputy Chief Constable of Lincolnshire Police, Heather Roach, said: “HMIC acknowledges that we are advanced with our plans to introduce body-worn video to all frontline officers which will improve compliance with the national, ‘Best Use of Stop and Search’ scheme.

“We have noted the comments from HMIC and welcome the conclusion that overall our performance is ‘good’.

“But we will examine the report in close detail and make improvements where we need to.”

After he went missing from his home in Sleaford over ten days ago, Robert Taylor’s family have issued a direct appeal in the hope of finding him.

As previously reported, Robert, who is from the Sleaford area, has not made contact since he left his home.

His family say his disappearance is extremely out of character and he did not have his wallet or medication with him.

They said in a statement: “Rob, we are desperately worried about you. Please find the courage to change things by getting in touch.

“Everyone is hoping for your safe return home as soon as possible.”

It is thought that he was wearing a green polo shirt with grey / brown cargo trousers but it is not known which coat he may have taken.

Anyone who thinks they may have seen Robert or has information that could help find him should call police on 101.