Terrorism high on police agenda

Deputy Chief Constable Habgood has 21 years police experience

Terrorism and working with communities are top of the agenda for Thames Valley Police's new deputy chief constable.

Francis Habgood has 21 years of police service, which began at West Yorkshire Police, and has recently led anti-terrorism and major crime teams.

The 43-year-old says he will be focusing on neighbourhood policing and improving the public's trust.

He will begin in an acting role in the job from 15 September before taking the role permanently in mid October.

He is taking over from Alex Marshall who is to become the new chief constable of Hampshire Police.

Deputy Chief Constable Habgood joined Thames Valley Police in 2004 and has taken the lead on numerous high-profile operations.

These include Operation Haul, which saw four members of the Johnson family and a man who is the partner of a family member, jailed for burglaries estimated to have netted them £30m.

He said: "There are some challenges and also opportunities ahead.

"We've had a number of terrorism cases that many will be aware of that have links into Thames Valley.

"We need to be working with local communities to build up the confidence so people that might be in danger of becoming a terrorist we can actually stop."