Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden, walked the beat with Lancashire Constabulary's new Deputy Chief Constable, discussing his priorities for policing in the county as he leads the fight against crime.

DCC Sacha Hatchett joined the force from North Wales Police last month. As Assistant Chief Constable in her previous role, Sacha had overall responsibility for the force’s crime operations portfolio. She also holds the national portfolio for forensic collision investigation.

Andrew welcomed DCC Hatchett to the force, outlined his vision for policing in Lancashire and updated her on the development of his Police and Crime Plan priorities, ahead of its launch at the end of the year.

They then went out on the beat and met with other officers, as Andrew and Sacha discussed the challenges facing officers on the frontline, the need for policing teams to be visible and engaged in their communities, and the priorities being developed for the Commissioner's Police and Crime Plan.

Speaking afterwards, Andrew said:

"I'm delighted that Sacha has joined us on this journey as we take the fight to criminals in Lancashire. She brings with her a wealth of experience which really expands and strengthens the Chief Constable's senior team.

"We talked about the development of my Police and Crime Plan, and the priorities on which I was elected that residents consistently tell me they want to see officers deliver on, such as anti-social behaviour and criminal gangs.

"I will continue to work closely with the Chief Constable, Sacha and the rest of the team to deliver on these priorities and on the promises I have made both before and since being elected, as I lead the fight against crime here in Lancashire."

Deputy Chief Constable Sacha Hatchett said: “I’m proud to have been appointed as Deputy Chief Constable to help deliver our vision of preventing crime and keeping our communities safe.

“Over the coming weeks I’ll be spending more time with all our officers and I’m looking forward to working closely with the Commissioner to tackle the issues that matter most to people across Lancashire.”