Police priority to banish fear

That's the aim of Ryedale's new police chief, Inspector Helen Taylor.

In her first interview since being appointed district commander, Insp Taylor, told The Press: "My job is to enhance community life for those people who are law-abiding, and make life difficult for those who aren't.

"Ryedale has the second-lowest crime rate in the country - but if the public still perceives there is a problem, that concerns me.

"However, I do understand that perception. Antisocial behaviour contributes to a fear of crime and, as far as I'm concerned, antisocial behaviour will be dealt with robustly, and those responsible for committing it will be swiftly brought to justice."

Insp Taylor is the second consecutive district commander to have been brought up in Ryedale. Her predecessor, Insp Neil Burnett, grew up in Norton, and attended Norton College and Malton School.

He stepped down in July to become business manager of the North Yorkshire Criminal Justice Board, based at Clifton Moor in York.

Insp Taylor's appointment was announced yesterday, when The Press reported how she was originally from Pickering, and went to school at Lady Lumley's.

Today Insp Taylor said: "I specifically asked to come here to take on the challenge.

"I am very proud to be back in Ryedale, where I came from, and I will be delivering the service the public wants to see. There is a lot of inventive work going on here already, and I am looking to build on that."

She said one of the reasons the crime rate in Ryedale was so low was the strong community spirit.

"I have come into an area that is very community-based. People talk to each other in Ryedale, which is a big bonus, and part of the reason the crime rate is so low," Insp Taylor said.

Her appointment as Ryedale's police chief comes after Ryedale District Council appointed a woman chief executive, Janet Waggott.

Ms Waggott takes over from outgoing chief executive, Harold Mosley, in January.