DROITWICH'S policing team has welcomed a new addition to its ranks this week.

On Tuesday police constable Richard Rees joined Droitwich's Safe Neighbourhoods Team, covering the west area of the town.

After ten years working as a response officer in Droitwich, PC Rees successfully applied for the new position and will join a team of eight colleagues.

The 36-year-old said: "I am really pleased to be joining the Safer Neighbourhoods Team at Droitwich. I have worked the patch on and off for about ten years on a response shift and know the area very well.

"It is a small town and one person can really make a difference and you can actually see the impact that your actions have.

"Droitwich and the surrounding area is a very safe and pleasant place to live. As with anywhere there is always a minority who do cause the community problems.

"Top of my priorities is dealing with antisocial behaviour and targeting persistent offenders."

Inspired by his policeman dad, PC Rees began his career in Reading with Thames Valley Police in 2002.

After Reading, he moved up to Birmingham before transferring to West Mercia Police where he has covered Droitwich, Evesham and Worcester as a response officer.

When he's not working the beat in Droitwich, PC Rees enjoys watching Welsh rugby and spending time with his wife and two children.

Sergeant Sarah Kent, of the Droitwich SNT, said: "PC Rich Rees has worked as a response officer in Droitwich at various times over the past ten years and is already quite well known in the area.

"He is a very welcome addition to the Safer Neighbourhoods Team and I know he is keen to get to know his community better and to make a positive impact."

Contact Droitwich SNT is you see any suspicious behaviour using the non-emergency number 101.