South Holland remains a safe place to live, the district’s top cop has reiterated.
Insp Matt Dickinson’s first 12 months in the role has seen two murder investigations carried out in Spalding, following the deaths of residents Vadims Zmicerevskis and Kristine Sparane within a 15-day period in November.
But despite these two unrelated incidents he is adamant that the area remains a good place to call home.
Insp Matt Dickinson
“I always say to people, when they come to me with their concerns, is Spalding a safe place to live? It is,” said Insp Dickinson, who is raising his young family in the town.
“These two cases have been tragic and they have caused some community concern but – and we don’t want to be dismissive of those concerns – we have a lovely town and lovely places across South Holland.”
Following swift responses from the police, two men have been charged with murder and will face trials in the new year.
Insp Matt Dickinson
Viktors Zeglovs is set to face trial at Lincoln Crown Court following the death of Mr Zmicerevskis in April while Brian Simpson will face trial following the death of Ms Sparane in May.
For Insp Dickinson, taking on the South Holland inspector role has been an enjoyable homecoming, after moving over from Boston.
“I love it here. I live in Spalding and I have a young family,” he added.
Insp Matt Dickinson in Spalding
“There’s lots of things to see and do. I really love living in Spalding and I love the wider district.
“I’ve really found my feet over the last year and I have to say the people that I deal with, our partners, the relationships are really growing.
“I thoroughly enjoy my job and I’m passionate about making a difference for South Holland, as a police man and a resident.
Insp Matt Dickinson
“Every day is a new learning day.”
The greatest daily challenge Insp Dickinson – who has worked in policing for almost 19 years – has seen since returning to South Holland has been the logistics of a patch that has a population spread out across 290 square miles.
“Boston has its own challenges but there are some similarities in terms of the demographic make up,” he continued.
“I think the largest difference we have is that, as a district, we are probably twice the size.
“So one of the biggest challenges we have is resources we’ve got in relation to the area we have to cover.
“Definitely it poses some challenges about being where we need to be and getting to where we need to get to.
“I’m not saying we can’t, we just have to think a little bit outside the box and a plan ahead so we can get around the district.”
After being announced as South Holland’s new inspector in January 2023, Insp Dickinson said his top priorities were public safety and tackling antisocial behaviour.
He has recently launched an appeal for the public to take part in an eight-question survey regarding ‘under reported crime’ in the area, which can be accessed here.
It is hoped that learning more about problems and hotspots could lead to additional funding for the force.
“In order to prioritise my team’s patrols and focus on what matters most to the wider public I need incidents to be reported,” Insp Dickinson said.
“If you witness anti-social behaviour, report it. Not everything is a policing matter, but we work in partnership with others such as the community safety team in South Holland District Council.
“Between us we will either be able to deal, signpost onwards or provide advice on who can assist.”