New top cops vow to push crimes lower

LOTHIAN'S new deputy chief constable today vowed to continue the work of his predecessor as he revealed figures showed there had been 3,500 fewer victims of crime in the past two years.

Speaking on the first day in his new post, DCC Steve Allen, who has joined the Lothian force after six years with the Metropolitan Police, said he would build on the achievements of Tom Halpin to lower crime.

Lothian and Borders also welcomed a new area commander yesterday - Chief Superintendent Gill Imery, the first woman to be a territorial commander.