WISBECH goes under the spotlight with the launch of a new police town centre team to tackle crime.

Chief Inspector Mike Winters has put extra officers into the town to tackle problems surrounding alcohol and shoplifting.

Chief Insp Winter said: “I have decided to prioritise extra police resources into the Wisbech Town Centre.

“With all the competing demands that are upon the police, that will continue to challenge us as the budget reduces, I have to prioritise where resources go and what they do.

“Also, it is sensible to focus on initiatives and ideas that reduce crime and disorder rather than rely totally on enforcement.”

Insp Winters said that he wanted to reduce issues in the town centre by enhancing the existing partnership work that is already underway.

Current initiatives involve work to reduce alcohol-related crimes, ASBOs and shoplifting.

A small town centre team has been launched which is headed by PC Dave Stevens supported by three community support officers Kat Walker, Steve Staniforth and Tina Potter.

“Their patrol time will be prioritised within the town centre and I very much hope you will get to see them and speak with them as time goes on,” he said.

The team will work for four months after which it will be reviewed.

“I hope you see this as good news. PC Dave Stevens has already started his frequent foot patrols and we have received excellent feedback,” said Insp Winters.