20/12/2023
We are warning businesses across the county not to accept offers of “surplus tarmac” or other aggregate material following reports of people being intimidated into handing over large sums of money.
We have received two reports in the past few weeks where firms have been offered surplus tarmac from people claiming to be from ‘Lincs Highways’.
These materials are usually offered a vastly discounted price by people who have arrived at a business with no prior warning. The Highways team at Lincolnshire County Council would never offer to supply road surface materials to members of the public or businesses, and these are not legitimate representatives.
In the days that follow, the people who delivered the material then demand thousands of pounds for payment.
When staff don’t comply, they are threatened with violence and intimidated into handing over money.
Inspector Rachel Blackwell said: “Being threatened in this way will have been very frightening for the people involved, and we take offences like this very seriously. We believe that there may be other victims who have not made reports to the police. We would urge them to come forward so we can investigate. We’re here to protect the whole of our community, from residents to businesses and their staff.”
We are keeping an open mind about the people responsible, but we are considering whether they are linked and investigating any criminal offences connected to the incidents reported.
Karen Cassar, Assistant Director for Highways at Lincolnshire County Council, said: "A Highways officer, or one of our contractors, would never approach someone out of the blue and offer to do work for them. If you are ever unsure whether someone is working on behalf of the Highways team, contact the council on 01522 552222 to confirm before agreeing to anything."
If you have been a victim, please report this via 101 or by emailing [email protected]
