THE Malmesbury Neighbourhood Police Team (NPT) has a new sergeant in charge.

Sgt Phil Connor, previously a Police Constable in the town, will be known to a number of people in the town.

He has returned to Malmesbury after three years working as Neighbourhood Policing Sgt in Chippenham, and Calne before that.

The Standard spoke to him to discuss his plans for the town.

“We’re going to be targeting those individuals that cause the most harm in the community,” he said.

“My priorities are as the national and Wiltshire priorities, protecting the most vulnerable in our community.

“Obviously anti-social behaviour, that’s the main role of NPT; targeting those individuals that engage in anti-social behaviour and cause the most harm in our community really.

“As with many market towns, the areas that we want to remain quiet and calm are the night time economies; the local pubs in the town and the villages.

“We want to ensure that those long term disputes between individuals are managed correctly.

“We work in partnership with Wiltshire Council and the town council, to ensure we work together and protect the most vulnerable in our society.

“We’re currently suffering a series of non-dwelling burglaries,” he continued.

“So we’re working with Gloucestershire Constabulary and our intelligence unit to specifically patrol those areas that have been targeted.

“Our intention is to gather intelligence and bring those responsible to justice.”

With 18 years experience working for Wiltshire Police, Sgt Connor is aware of what it takes to police an area efficiently.

“I’m sure that like other sergeants I have a different style of policing,” he said.

“I’m quite experienced in neighbourhood policing and have had many successes in challenging those individuals that fail or refuse to live in society in peace and harmony.

“I’m firm but fair, is my policy.”