DCI returns to home town as crime manager for Warrington (From This Is Cheshire)

DCI returns to home town as crime manager for Warrington

5:30pm Friday 19th March 2010

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THE World Cup and financial constraints will prove to be the biggest challenges for the recently appointed ‘crime manager’.

DCI Andy Smith said he is privileged to be returning to work in his home town as the crime manager for Warrington and Halton, but said there will be challenges ahead.

He said: “We have significant challenges like every public sector and private sector, which is facing cutbacks. The challenge for us is improving and building on the successes with fewer resources.

“The World Cup could cause an increase in domestic violence incidents and disorder but contingencies are in place to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

Extra staff will be drafted in for England games and campaigns will run in the lead up to the tournament and walking day, warning people that criminals will be dealt with robustly.

Since joining the constabulary in 1990 DCI Smith’s roles have included working in the crime investigation department and most recently in the major investigation team.

He was involved in investigating the murders of Nicola Sutton, Stuart Lowe and newly-wed Vicky Wynne-Jones.

His new role will involve managing more than 200 people and identifying any problems quickly and direct resources when necessary.

DCI Smith, who started his new role in January, said that 12,000 fewer crimes were reported in Warrington last year and he wanted to continue the force’s successes.

“Robbery is always an issue. It is an emotive offence and is not a particularly massive problem in Warrington compared with other areas in the region but it is one of my main priorities,” he said.

DCI Smith, aged 41, would like more people to speak to CSOs and report crimes to neighbourhood policing teams. The ‘public are our eyes and ears’, he added.

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