A DEDICATED police detective who aims to look at tackling the increase in thefts and domestic violence has been promoted to a new role.

Thames Valley Police announced Superintendent Felicity Parker as the new Local Policing Area (LPA) Commander for Bracknell and Wokingham.

Felicity started her new role on Monday, April 1, taking over from Shaun Virtue who retired from the force after 30 years of service.

The commander used to work in the protecting vulnerable people department, including work in multiagency safeguarding, risk management for victims of domestic abuse and investigating serious crimes.

As well as this, she spent a lot of time working with local authorities to improve the response in supporting children and vulnerable adults.

Felicity Parker said: "Having worked predominately around vulnerability, I am keen to maintain a focus on reducing the harm caused by domestic abuse, alongside partner agencies, to improve the future for children and adults in the longer term.

“I am also aware of an increase in thefts and burglaries in the area, so looking to build an intelligence picture to tackle this issue and reduce the impact these crimes have on our residents."

The experienced detective also led several complex cases focussing on domestic abuse, resulting in convictions for murder and attempted murder.

In the past two years, she led the police force response to modern slavery such as human trafficking and criminal exploitation.

She added: “I am really excited to become LPA Commander and look forward to building on the positive culture the teams have developed in the Bracknell and Wokingham LPA.

“I want to ensure staff and officers are focussed on preventing crime as their primary objective; whether that be through our Neighbourhood teams working closely with local communities, or being proactive in deterring organised criminals from the area.

"I look forward to meeting with my partners and members of the local community to build on the successes already achieved.

By working together, we will continue to make Bracknell and Wokingham safe places to live, work and visit.”