WORKING with victims of crime is a main focus for police in Bolton as officers crack down on repeat offenders.

Superintendent Steph Parker was appointed to her position, which oversees the borough's policing, in January.

And Supt Parker, who has worked her way up Greater Manchester Police's (GMP) ranks since joining the force in 1999, when she served Bolton in uniform, is keen to build relationships with victims of crime among other priorities.

Following a damning report about GMP by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services which was published in December, it was found more than 80,000 crime records were lost in a year and the force's service to victims was a "serious cause of concern".

Supt Parker, who lives in Bolton, said: "For me, we need to build on our relationships with the community and victims of crime.

"We also need to understand who the offenders are who are causing us the most harm.

"There is a massive concern for the community about burglaries and thefts, it is something we need to tackle and we absolutely will.

"Reports have reduced because of Covid but we are fully aware this will start to go up as restrictions ease and more people leave their homes to go to work."

Supt Parker added a dispersal order in Westhoughton this weekend is part of efforts to "stamp out" anti-social behaviour across the borough.

And she praised officers who she knows are "really doing their best" despite resources being stretched.