Two charged with string of offences in crackdown on Spalding burglaries

Two men have been charged with three offences each as part of a police crackdown on burglaries in Spalding.

The offences alleged to have been carried out by Dimitrijs Afanasjevs (27) and Pawel Placzkiewsicz (26) are all said to have happened during little more than a two-week period last month. The two men – both formerly of Spalding and currently in custody – were arrested as part of Operation Bonus.

Police said: “Officers have been carrying out high visibility and plain clothes patrols in cars, on bicycles and on foot.  Officers have been utilising their stop and search powers and this has yielded some significant results.”

For Afanasjevs, the record was:

• September 9 – arrested following a stop/search in Station Street, Spalding.  Subsequently charged with attempt possession of drugs and obstructing police.  Kept in custody for court.
• September 10 – arrested on suspicion of theft from a camper-van in Westlode Street a few days earlier.  Charged with interference with a motor vehicle and possession of controlled drugs kept in custody for court.
• September 26 – arrested for breach of court-imposed  bail conditions and possession of controlled drugs as a result of a stop/search at The Vista, Spalding. Charged and kept in custody for court.

For Placzkiewsicz, the record was:

• September 10 – arrested on suspicion of burglary and possession of drugs in Magellan Way, Spalding.  Charged with possession of criminal property and controlled drugs. Kept in custody for court.
• September 14 – arrested on suspicion of burglary at a commercial premises in Pinchbeck Road, Spalding.  Charged with burglary and possession of drugs and kept in custody for court.
• September 26 – arrested on suspicion of a burglary at a local church as a result of a stop/search in Chapel Lane, Spalding. Charged and kept in custody for court.

Other police results as part of Operation Bonus include:

• August 24 – 30-year-old man arrested on suspicion of burglary in Stonegate, Spalding, as a result of a stop/search.  He was bailed for further enquiries.
• September 10 – 30-year-old man arrested on suspicion of being involved in three burglaries in Ladywood Road, Halmergate and Pinchbeck Road.  He is currently on bail for further enquiries.
• September 30 – property believed to be stolen during several recent burglaries was recovered as officers executed a search warrant at an address in Winsover Road, Spalding.  A 23-year-old woman was arrested for handling stolen goods and possession of controlled drugs.  She has been bailed for further enquiries.

Community Policing Inspector Jim Tyner said: “Operation Bonus will continue to tackle burglaries in the Spalding area.

“I am dedicating officers to this, but I need the public to play their part. Please keep doors and windows secure and report any suspicious activity.”