Northamptonshire police chief salutes public support during a "difficult, challenging but successful 2020"

Northamptonshire's police chief has thanked the county's public for their support during a "difficult, challenging but successful" year.

Chief Constable Nick Adderley admits there have been times where county's officers have been "damned if they do, and damned if they don't."

But he also saluted their efforts in reducing crime, especially burglaries, while enforcing ever-changing rules surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Adderley said: "I just wanted to send a message to say a huge thank you to public of Northamptonshire.

"This has been really difficult period for policing anywhere in the country and we're no exception in Northamptonshire. But the support you have given our force has been second to none and I just wanted to say thank you for that.

"This has been a really successful year for Northamptonshire Police. We have reduced crime overall in the county by 4.5 per cent, that's just under 2,000 fewer victims.

"Home invasion, burglary that's reduced by 32.5 per cent — around 1,600 fewer victims and the fastest and the largest reduction anywhere in country

"It's been a really challenging year around Covid and, of course, in terms of policing you're dammed if you do and dammed if you don't.

"But the support of the public has been unwavering, I'm really grateful for that and I really hope that continues throughout 2021."

He also thanked the public for helping fund investment in the Force resources which has helped add to the number of officers in the county, a new fast-response Interceptor team and Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras.

Mr Adderley added: "We have an Interceptor team now which is fast deployment of resources for all kinds of serious incidents, we have more police dogs than ever before and we have invested in ANPR which means our county is safer

"Resources continue to grow and we are on target for 1,367 police officers by March next year and a whopping 1,500 by the end of 20203.

"We have an exciting 2021 ahead in terms of investments into neighbourhood policing, policing with purpose and really getting to the heard of issued that are affecting communities. Again, all of this could not be achieved without your support.

"However you choose to spend the festive period, I do hope you have a peaceful one — and, of course, a crime-free one."