Tackling burglaries remains priority says new police chief

Chief Supt Simon Atkin, who has worked in Bradford for the majority of his 21-year career, has taken up the role following the retirement of Chief Supt Alison Rose.

And the 46-year-old father of four says he is looking forward to making a difference to a patch he knows inside out.

Chief Supt Atkin worked on a specialised operations team in Bradford in the nineties and as a Detective Sergeant at Bradford Central CID from 2000. Either side of roles in Keighley, Leeds and Wakefield, he also worked as a detective chief inspector at Bradford South Division.

He said: “A significant proportion of my career has been spent working in the Bradford district on both community and strategic levels.

“I have therefore come to know people from a number of neighbourhoods, encompassing a variety of cultures and beliefs.

“It is this extensive experience which has now brought me back to Bradford south division where I feel I can make a genuine impact.

“Making Bradford a safe place to live and work is extremely personal to me as I also live in this district and know full well the high standards that local people expect from the police.”

Chief Supt Atkin said tackling burglary and cable theft would be among his priorities.

“Burglary continues to be a priority across West Yorkshire and there has been a significant effort to reduce it,” he said.

“Neighbourhoods are taking on board crime prevention advice and officers are working hard to catch those responsible.

“In Bradford South, there have been 400 less burglary offences between April 1 and December in 2011 compared to the same period the previous year.

“We are heading in the right direction and I plan to ensure it remains this way.

“I understand there are emerging crime trends which can impact on businesses and communities such as the national rise in metal theft.

“I can say, however, that we will continue to adapt through new tactics and approaches, dealing with the problems that matter most to our neighbourhoods.”