High expectation of crime czar

The number of violent offences police are dealing with in Wales is rising

Wales's first crime czar has been told that he will be judged on results and that the Assembly is expecting falling crime rates, and safer communities.

Dave A'herne, a former senior police officer, will have a budget of up to £1m and will answer to the Home Office and the Assembly.

Crime director or 'czar' Dave A'herne

Although the latest government crime figures showed a slight fall in recorded crime in Wales, the number of violent offences police are dealing with is rising.

On the streets there is increasing drunken disorder and a widespread public perception that many of our towns are unsafe.

The new crime tsar will have greater powers than his counterparts in England and apart from dealing with general offences will also be responsible for youth crime and domestic violence.

With a budget of up to £1m he will report directly to the Home Office and the National Assembly.

Assembly Local Government Secretary Peter Law

"I think people want to have a good qualify of life and if we are to give them that I think our commitment has to be to making our communities safer," said Assembly Local Government Secretary Peter Law AM.

"That's what the public wants and that's what this new crime director will be working to achieve along with a small team of people."

Mr A'Herne will liaise closely with the four Welsh police forces as well as with local authorities.

Together they have been given the job of formulating a new strategy in Wales - one that result in a significant fall in the crime rate.