THE NEW member of Thornbury’s police team has said his focuses are on tacking anti-social behaviour and becoming part of the community.

PC Malcolm Webley joins the existing team of PC Natalie Jones and PCSOs Sheryl Drewitt and Tony Blackmore, having replaced PC Sean White who was transferred to Filton at the end of last month.

PC Webley, an experienced beat manager who has served in beats across South Gloucestershire, including Patchway, Kingswood, Cadbury Heath and Staple Hill, as well as neighbouring Bath, said: “Once I heard of the opportunity I showed an immediate interest in the role as a new challenge.

“I do like Thornbury, having worked here before joining the police, and I’m a regular visitor with my family.”

PC Webley said he looked forward to meeting residents in the area while on patrol in the town and through beat surgeries.

He said: “Our priority at the moment is to tackle anti-social behaviour. We’ll be focusing our attention on hotspot areas. We’ll also be talking to young people and their parents and carers to make sure they understand the effect of their behaviour on others – and the potential consequences for themselves.

“For example if property is damaged, that’s a criminal offence, and a prosecution could jeopardise their future career opportunities. A record like this can even affect travel plans, as some countries won’t issue visas.”