New chief pledges to fight crime (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

New chief pledges to fight crime

CIRENCESTERS new police chief says he is relishing the chance to team up with the community in its fight against crime.

Inspector Mike Jacka has taken over the reins of the towns policing following the retirement of Inspector Brian Page, who has since become a plumber.

Inspector Jacka has come to Cirencester after a spell in the force control room at Cheltenham where he was responsible for the monitoring and resourcing of incidents.

But he is no stranger to community policing having spent the previous two years as a Cheltenham-based Sergeant.

Married with three young children he has been serving with Gloucestershire police for 26 years and says the interests of the community are at the heart of his concerns.

"I live in the Cotswolds myself and know how lucky many people feel to be part of such a beautiful and vibrant area of the Gloucestershire countryside," he said.

"But I also know there is a small criminal element of society who would try and spoil that for all of us.

"All crimes whether they are offences of foul-mouthed abuse and drunken behaviour or burglaries and assault have a negative impact on the community.

"I am committed, along with all the officers under my command, to dealing with these problems and making Cirencester a safer more enjoyable place for everyone to live."