THE NEW man at the helm of an anti-crime agency has received a shot-in-the-arm in his new role just days into the job.

Chief Inspector Tim Wilson received the keys to a new Vauxhall Astra, yesterday, on behalf of the Durham Agency Against Crime.

The diesel car was donated by security firm ADT, a member of the police/private sector agency which has pioneered a series of crime-fighting initiatives across the county.

Chief Inspector Wilson has just taken over as chief executive of the agency, on secondment from Durham Police. He said the estate car has already proved its worth in his first week in the job, spreading the word about anti-crime projects round the force area.

"I was at Bowes on Tuesday evening giving a presentation at the village hall and I was able to take all the display boards and other equipment in the car. It is a real help."

Chief Insp Wilson has taken over from Laz Szomoru who spent three years as chief executive of the agency.

Chief Inspector Szomoru has moved on to become operations manager for the force's Durham City and Chester-le-Street division, while his predecessor in that role, Chief Inspector Jamie McAloon, has transferred to the corporate development department at force headquarters.

Chief Insp Wilson, who has given 23 years' service to the Durham force, will be formally introduced to representatives of the member companies of the agency at the annual meeting next month.