She remarked, “I’m very delighted to be joining the Hartlepool team. The staff I’ve met in my first few weeks here have demonstrated a strong commitment to the area and its communities.

“The effort they put into their roles is inspiring, reinforced by the positive results they’ve achieved and the excellent collaborative work I have already witnessed.”

Her presence comes at a time when car crime across the town was noted as down by 28% in August compared with the same month previous year. Supt. Wilson added:

“Antisocial behaviour will remain a major focus for our Neighbourhood Policing Teams as we continue to tackle recurring issues such as those at the bottom of the ramp to the shopping centre in York Road, and off-road bikes.”

Meanwhile, the town’s CID department will continue to investigate and successfully prosecute individuals who cause significant harm to communities, as well as combat severe and organised crime, she stated.

Supt Wilson stated, “Response teams continue to ensure that they respond to public service calls as promptly as possible and provide critical support to the public, frequently as the initial point of contact for persons who are most vulnerable.

“The Proactive Team continues to provide regular and valuable support to Neighbourhoods, CID, and Response. “All teams appear to be working closely together to ensure a coordinated, holistic approach to the issues confronting Hartlepool’s communities.

“I look forward to building on this positive culture and working with stakeholders in Hartlepool, to make it a safer place for those living in the town.”

Hartlepool has had its own divisional commander since 2023, when the force was divided into four areas rather than only North and South previously.