WEST Somerset is losing its top policeman just 14 months after he took on the job. Sector commander for West Somerset Nic Crocker announced this week he will be leaving the patch today (Friday) for a new job in Bridgwater. He took over as sector inspector at Minehead police station when outgoing inspector Keith Bridges retired to France last August. Mr Crocker, aged 43, said he would be sorry to leave Minehead but he was looking forward to new challenges in Bridgwater. He said: "In my new role at Bridgwater, I will be responsible for delivering operational policing on a day-to-day basis, working with partners including Sedgemoor District Council to cut crime. "It will be challenging but equally exciting. The police cannot combat crime alone and need the support and help of the community and other agencies. "That is something that worked well in Minehead and I hope that the same community spirit and desire to get things done by us working and pulling together will happen in Bridgwater." Mr Crocker has previously worked in Bridgwater as a detective and has clocked up a total of 21 years of service with the police. He added: "I always wanted to join the police and have worked in most parts of Somerset, moving to district headquarters at Taunton when I was appointed inspector. "For the past 14 months I have been sector inspector at Minehead, where I have thoroughly enjoyed myself. "What was really enjoyable was working with partners and members of the public who really cared about their local community. "I thank everyone who has helped me take forwards community safety issues while in West Somerset." An acting inspector will be in charge in West Somerset, with a full-time replacement due to be appointed by the end of year.
