South Western Division, which covers Basildon and Thurrock, has a new top boss after Chief Suptintendent Glenn Caton started as divisional commander last month.
Taking over the reigns from Chief Supt Maurice Mason, who has now moved onto a role at Essex Police headquarters, Mr Caton is no stranger to Basildon and Thurrock, having started as a police constable in the area in 1981.
For him, it’s a bit like coming home, as he has previously carried out roles as Basildon inspector, Pitsea inspector and Basildon divisional commander before Basildon and Thurrock policing divisions merged as one in 2007, where he spent his time as a superintendent, covering both districts.
Mr Caton said: “For a large part of my career I have served the people of Basildon and Thurrock and I left here in 2008 for two years to work at police headquarters when I was promoted to chief superintendent. So I really do know this area and the people well.
“I am proud to take the role of divisional commander, with the overall responsibility for policing the area, as I have a great affection for Basildon and Thurrock, which are very unique and diverse areas.”
Mr Caton has a number of priorities that he wants his policing teams to address, which includes:
Tackling serious and organised crime
A further significant reduction in crime and anti social behaviour
To bring even more offenders to justice
To further reduce the fear of crime
Raise satisfaction and confidence in the police.
Improve the quality of life for those who live, work and visit the area
“These may seem like general topics, but each one has a very personal meaning for me. Anti-social behaviour is an issue that affects a lot of people, and I can assure you that we work daily with our partners at Basildon and Thurrock Council’s to tackle the issue,” Mr Caton added.
Reducing the fear of crime is also a very important priority to police in the area. Mr Caton said: “Crime really is going down, but until you, the resident, feel that it is safe, you will never believe it.
“Through the Policing Pledge, our local officers have a duty to spend 80 per cent of their time patrolling your streets, and this is just one of the ways we are reducing the fear of crime by making our officers visible in key locations.
“You do live in a safe area, crime is coming down and we are working hard to keep it that way. All I ask is that you engage with us, and work with us to reduce crime by heeding our advice.”
