PENDLE'S new police chief has vowed to crack down on the crimes that impact most on people.

Chief Insp Richard Debicki has just replaced Chief Insp Ian Pilling, who has left Lancashire to take up a post with Greater Manchester Police.

And he said: "We must be in a position to tackle the types of crime that are important to local people.

"We know reducing burglary and car crime is immensely important to people and, of course, bringing those respons-ible for these crimes to justice.

"But people also need to feel safe and secure walking the street at night.

"Violent crime, anti-social behaviour and nuisance are therefore key priorities for me.

"We need to deliver all of this, and more, for our diverse communities - and they, quite rightly expect to receive a high quality of service, and to be treated with dignity and respect."

Insp Debicki also said that he wanted to stay in touch with Pendle's varied communities

He said: "I am delighted to be taking over the reins at Pendle.

"This is an area which is new to me, but I want it to be one where the police are totally in touch with local communities.

"The police working 'hand in glove' with local communities is not new in Lancashire, but I want to continue to develop this as part of our neighbourhood policing programme.

"The public deserve to know who their local police officers and community support officers are, and be confident they will get help when they need it."

Insp Debicki joins the Pennine Division from headquarters where he has spent the past 18 months as a Chief Constable's staff officer.

During his 12 year career with the police he has worked as an Inspector in Morecambe and Wyre, a Sergeant in Blackburn and a community beat manager in Blackpool.

He also has experience within the Constabulary Community and Race Relations Unit and was part of the planning team for the 1997 Labour Party conference.

Chief Insp Debicki, who lives in the Garstang area, added: "Lancashire has been assessed as being one of the top forces in the country and I want officers and staff within Pendle to continue to contribute significantly to this success."