THE NEW man at the helm of an anti-crime agency has received a boost just days into the job.

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

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

Chief Insp Wilson has taken over as chief executive of the agency, on secondment from Durham Constabulary.

He said the estate car had already proved its worth in his first week in the job, conveying information about anti-crime projects around 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," he said.

Chief Insp Wilson has taken over from Chief Inspector Laz Szomoru, who was chief executive of the agency for three years.

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

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