Community policing is one of the most effective ways of cracking crime, according to the newly appointed Community Police Officer for the area.

Inspector Mark Hartley has replaced Andy Oddy and he hopes to continue the work already started across Otley, Wharfedale, Aireborough and Horsforth.

Insp Hartley said: "Of course I will say the same as other people new to a job like this - I will bring enthusiasm and commitment.

"I live in Horsforth and I know the area and the problems that are encountered there, but we are committed to the whole area."

Insp Hartley also said that he was looking forward to the divisional reorganisation.

He said: "It is a particularly exciting time to take on this job as all the reorganisation takes place.

"I was based at Weetwood for the past two-and-a-half years and I am now in charge of community safety for the division. We are seeing quite a lot of changes at the moment because we are joining the departments and I have more than 30 members of staff."

But the community policing involves a lot more than just walking the beat.

Insp Hartley said: "As well as the community policing we also deal with domestic violence cases, crime prevention and reduction, schools and youth development officers and neighbourhood watch."

The community police team are based in offices in Horsforth.

Insp Hartley said: "We are in the complex of the old Horsforth police station and the old police houses next door have been converted to offices.

"It is a new time for a lot of us and we shall have to see how things pan out, but I am very confident that our community policing will continue to reassure people that they are receiving a good service from us."