Ref. 25863-31BURGLARY and graffiti in Cricklade could soon be a thing of the past if the town's new sergeant has his way.

Willie Glasgow may have joined Cricklade Police only three weeks ago but he says he is quickly getting to grips with the new role.

The 38-year-old, who transferred from Chippenham after an 18-month stint, said: "Cricklade is lovely. We have only minor crime here, such as a few burglaries and graffiti, but we are dealing positively with everything brought to us.

"Two lads were arrested last week in relation to graffiti and we are confident we will find those responsible for the recent burglaries."

Sgt Glasgow joined the police force after spending 10 years in the Army.

Originally from Cooks-town, Northern Ireland, he decided to settle in Wiltshire 12 years ago.

He said: "My last posting with the Army was in South Cerney, and Swindon was the nearest big town so I moved there.

"Joining the police was what interested me at the time. I spent 10 years as a constable in Swindon, with the burglary squad, then moved to Chippenham," the ser-geant said.

As well as Sgt Glasgow, there are seven constables at the Cricklade station in the High Street, who are also responsible for policing Purton. But some residents think that is not enough.

In March Mark Ingle and Cherise Hutchinson, proprietors of the Vale Hotel Inn and Restaurant, in Cricklade High Street, said the town was a unsafe after dark.

They said they had suffered at the hands of vandals and thugs for two years.

But Sgt Glasgow is challenging this claim.

He said: "This isn't the view of the majority of people who live here.

"Wiltshire is the second safest county in the country, and Cricklade is one of the safest areas in Wiltshire." the sergeant said.

Sgt Glasgow has replaced Andy Bridge, who has been made a detective sergeant in the Intelligence Unit, at the Police Headquarters, in Devizes.

Cricklade police can be reached at 01793 750207.