Winchester'S new police chief has promised to crack down on violent crime with a zero-tolerance approach to make the city an even safer place to live and work.

Insp Kevin Baxman has just been appointed sector inspector for the Winchester district.

Cracking down on violent crime, drink-related incidents and criminal damage are his three top priorities.

"What I'd like is for policing in the city to continue towards making sure Winchester remains a decent and safe place to live and work," he said.

"I'm also very keen to control alcohol-related problems in the city centre, though I also think the perception of the trouble is probably worse than it actually is. However, there is clearly an issue here to be dealt with."

Insp Baxman, 42, said there would be a zero-tolerance approach to violent crime.

"We won't tolerate violent crime and anyone caught and convicted of such offences will be dealt with appropriately.

"I'd say overall my approach is person-orientated.

"I hope I know what people want from their police and local community, and I will try to give that to them.

"What's important is that we make people's lives happier. If the way we investigate and prevent crime can do that, then we will have succeeded in achieving at least some of our goals."

This is not the first time Insp Baxman has been involved in police work in the city.

He was a sergeant here until three-years ago, when he was made an inspector and joined the Hampshire Constabulary force control room in Netley.

Insp Baxman said he has returned to Winchester because he wants to get back to operational policing.

"I wanted to come back to Winchester and get involved in community policing again," he said.