Bradford’s new police chief has warned criminals that firearms offences will not be tolerated in the district.

Chief Superintendent Simon Atkin, the new divisional commander of Bradford South Police, had worked for the past two years in a senior role at police headquarters investigating firearms and public order incidents, before his recent promotion and move to Bradford.

Chief Supt Atkin, a 46-year-old father-of-four, who was born in Keighley, still lives in the district and has worked for the majority of his police career in the Bradford area, admitted there were some concerns from the public about firearms-related crime.

But he said: “I can reassure the public that, over a number of years, firearms-related criminality has reduced in West Yorkshire, and Bradford is part of that.

“We are dealing with a lot of things that might not come to the public’s notice in an effort to make sure we reduce and stop firearms crime in Bradford. I can bring my experience of working in the firearms arena into Bradford and look at how we can take things even further forward.

“Individuals at the forefront of this type of criminality will be met head on through enforcement techniques and appropriate legislation.

“If people are emerging into this area we will link with partners to prevent those people getting further involved, so that we safeguard the public and maintain public safety.”

Chief Supt Atkin, who has taken the place of Alison Rose, who has retired, began his career as a PC in Shipley and has worked at Bingley, Keighley, with an operations team in Bolling Road, and at Bradford Central and Bradford South as a detective and in uniform.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted to be posted back to Bradford, it was my number one choice. I am committed and dedicated to taking policing forward with the communities of Bradford and our partners.

“I am not here for the short term, or to meet performance figures or tick boxes. This is the job I want to do and I am here to make a positive difference for our communities.”

Chief Supt Atkin said tackling burglary remained a priority in the district. Neighbourhoods were taking crime prevention advice on board and there had been 400 fewer burglaries between April 1 and December 1 this year.

“We are heading in the right direction and I plan to ensure it remains that way,” he said.

He said there had also been big improvements in tackling anti-social behaviour and the serious crime of metal theft.

“It is serious criminality that can lead to death. There are victims involved and it is something that is being addressed.”