New cop in the hotseat (From Stourbridge News)

New cop in the hotseat

9:54am Friday 2nd February 2007 in Local

THE new top cop for Dudley South has vowed to build on a solid base and keep pressure on crooks in the area.

Chief Superintendent Nick Croft, who took control of the Black Country beat on Monday January 8, says he will continue to work on police partnership with communities.

Based at Halesowen Police Station, the new chief replaced Chief Supt Nick Dickerson as commander of Halesowen, Stourbridge, Kingswinford and Lye.

Chief Supt Croft said: "I am proud to be joining West Midlands Police, which is a professional and high performing force.

"I am looking forward to building on the solid foundations laid by Chief Superintendent Nick Dickerson by continuing to develop neighbourhood policing and working with our partners to provide citizen focused public services that improve the quality of life for the residents."

Chief Supt Croft started his police career in Warwickshire police in 1982 and is an experienced firearms officer and hostage negotiator, he also holds a masters degree in education.

He recently commanded the Central Motorway Group and has also taken charge at major events, including the Royal Show and concerts at Warwick Castle.

Previous Chief Supt Nick Dickerson has moved to become Head of Professional Standards at the West Midlands Police headquarters, at Lloyd House in Birmingham.

He said: "I leave the area with overall crime reduced, there are 84 less victims of domestic burglary so far this year and that is credit to the hard work and dedication of police officers and staff."