A routine police investigation in Boston, Lincolnshire, ended in an unusual chase when a suspect tried to hide inside a Rose Bush. Lincolnshire Police said Francesko Refitaj, 21, of Wyberton West Road, pleaded guilty to producing a Class B controlled drug — cannabis — and was sentenced to eight months in prison at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court on August 29.
The operation began when Boston’s Neighborhood Policing Team (NPT) received intelligence from local residents about a suspected cannabis grow inside a Wyberton West Road property. Acting on these tips, Sergeant Will Robson and PC Pratt attended the address at around 12:25 p.m. on August 20. After knocking and receiving no answer, PC Pratt checked the rear of the property while Sergeant Robson stayed out front.
At that moment, Refitaj allegedly fled through the front door. Members of the public guided Robson as he pursued the suspect down the street. The chase ended dramatically when Refitaj attempted to conceal himself in a Rose Bush nearby. Officers quickly apprehended him despite the thorny hiding spot. Police later described the Rose Bush as “a painful experience for all those involved.”
Inside the property, officers discovered approximately 114 cannabis plants with an estimated street value ranging from £9,000 to £90,720, depending on whether the product was sold by the kilogram, ounce or gram. The scale of the operation suggested commercial production, according to police.
The bizarre image of a suspect crouched inside a Rose Bush has drawn attention on social media, but Lincolnshire Police emphasized that the case reflects serious criminal activity. The force credited vigilant neighbors for providing the information that led to the bust.
Sergeant Robson thanked the public for their support, noting that community tips were essential in stopping the grow. He urged anyone with similar concerns to contact their local team directly. “Our priority remains the safety and wellbeing of all residents in Boston,” he said.
The story also serves as a reminder that hiding in a Rose Bush is unlikely to thwart law enforcement. Beyond the obvious discomfort of thorns, it illustrates how community vigilance and quick police action can disrupt illegal drug operations.
Thanks to collaborative policing, a significant cannabis grow has been dismantled and the tale of a man caught in a Rose Bush now stands as one of Lincolnshire Police’s more memorable arrests.
