THE new man in charge of policing a large part of the county has pledged to listen carefully to people's concerns.

Inspector Pat Coates (36) is now in charge of the North Kesteven rural sector which includes North Hykeham, Bracebridge Heath, Washingborough and Metheringham.

Inspector Coates has 13 years' experience with Lincolnshire Police after he joined as a student officer in 1995 and comes from a community policing background.

His most recent role prior to taking up his new position this week was as an operations inspector in Lincoln.

"I will be going out and about to learn more about the area and the communities within it," he said.

"I want to hear about the challenges local people and businesses believe we should be focusing on."

Insp Coates said one priority he had already identified was reducing the number of burglaries.