‘Privileged’ new police chief sets out top priorities

selvey@thekmgroup.co.uk Rural areas, violent crime and car crashes are the main areas Ashford’s new district commander intends to focus on.

District commander Ch Insp Mitchell Fox, who is now in charge of policing in the borough, also spoke about legal highs in his first interview in the role.

The 48-year-old married father of one said: “The primary objective is to reduce crime in the district and protect vulnerable people. I will also be looking to make best use of our resources.

“I am looking to focus on the rural and farming communities in particular because so much of the area is rural. I will also focus on violent crime and in particular around protecting victims, especially vulnerable victims. I will concentrate on the nighttime economy to ensure Ashford is a safe place to socialise.”

Despite him singling out violent crime and even after a string of sexual assaults and brutal attacks over the last few months, Mr Fox insists Ashford is no more dangerous than any other part of Kent.

Speaking in particular about reports of a sex pest targeting young girls outside Ashford schools, he said: “I don’t think Ashford is any different from anywhere else in the county.

“We would ask that people are vigilant around their own personal safety, particularly young people and their parents, and report any suspicious activity. We have focused on providing high-visibility patrols in the area where the incidents have been reported.”

Before starting in the role on January 4, Mr Fox was critical incident commander for Kent

‘I want to make sure Ashford is a safe and prosperous district for everyone to live in, work in and visit’

Police, dealing with serious collisions and major crimes across the county.

He praised the “dedicated work force” of police officers and staff in the Ashford area and said he was looking forward to working with them.

He added: “For me this is a very privileged role. I am a very hands-on person and I will be visiting local communities and looking at how community engagement will work. I want to make sure Ashford is a safe and prosperous district for everyone to live in, work in and visit.”

Mitchell Fox can be contact by emailing mitchell.fox@kent.pnn. police.uk or calling 01233 896161.