A NEW chief inspector for Northwich and Winsford is set to take the reins.

Dad-of-two Gary Smith will take on the role for the Northwich local policing unit (LPU).

He joined Cheshire Police in 2001 and has worked in a variety of operational roles across the county since then, most recently as chief inspector for Ellesmere Port LPU.

Gary said: “I’ve been with Cheshire Constabulary for more than 18 years and I am proud to be taking up the role of chief inspector at Northwich LPU.

“As a local resident I know that the team here already do a fantastic job protecting the local community and I look forward to working with them to help make Northwich, Winsford and all the surrounding villages even safer places to live, work and visit."

Gary has previously served as a critical incident manager, a criminal justice manager, a detective inspector for Macclesfield LPU and separately for Cheshire Police's professional standards department.

He has also worked on the national Violence and Public Protection Portfolio and the National Child Sexual Abuse Review Panel.

“As chief inspector my focus will be to ensure that my team continue to deliver an effective service both now and in the future," Gary added.

“We will continue to work closely alongside local people and our key partners within the community to help reduce crime in the area and I encourage residents to get in touch if they have any issues or concerns that they want to raise with us.”

Outside of work, Gary has two adult sons and lives with his wife Nichola, who is also a serving officer.

In his spare time, he enjoys walking, keeping fit, gardening, and spending time with his family and friends.

David Keane, police and crime commissioner for Cheshire, said: “I’m sure Gary will be a great addition to the team at Northwich LPU and that residents will welcome his appointment as their chief inspector, just as they did with Chf Insp Edgar.

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“Local policing is a priority for me and I am pleased to see the local LPU continues to have highly experienced and professional officers at its helm, who care about their officers and staff, as well as the residents and businesses they serve.”

Gary is joining a well-established team of officers at Northwich, including Insp Robert Astbury, Insp Iain Paterson and Det Insp Liam Furlong.