KEITH Mitchell, manager of the Fishergate Shopping centre, in Preston, is the new chairman of the Preston Crime Prevention Panel.

He heads the 18-strong group which supports the police in reducing local crime levels.

Following a successful Car Crime Exhibition in October which attracted some 12,000 visitors, the panel is now looking to identify crime trends in a move to discover how their efforts can be put to best effect.

Mr Mitchell takes over from Andrew Harris who has built up the panel. He said: "Local crime levels are not a cause for alarm but they can be improved in many ways."

The panel is now looking for sponsors to help with new initiatives.

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