The new Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) for Verulam and Sopwell said he aims to ‘increase peoples' sense of community spirit.'

Lewis Griffiths has replaced PCSO Chris Crosby, who has joined Essex Police as a PC and said he aims "to deal with low level crime and anti-social behaviour and help people out."

He said: "I will be highly-visible in the Sopwell and Verulam wards, approachable and will be helping to reduce anti-social behaviour and speeding with police colleagues and the St Albans Community Safety Partnership.

"I would welcome residents’ views about what is affecting their quality of life."

Lewis will also be holding regular neighbourhood surgeries.

He said: "I’d also like to take this opportunity to remind residents to make sure they securely lock their doors and windows and give their homes the lived-in look to help prevent being burgled, especially at this time of year."

Lewis was an Educational Support PCSO for 18 months in Hemel Hempstead before becoming a generic PCSO in August last year. Prior to that, he worked in administration for Xara, a computer software company.

He said: "Although I enjoyed working for Xara, I wanted to be out and about, rather than at a desk. I wanted to work for the police but not as a police officer and I want to make a real difference to people’s lives. I hope residents come and speak to me about their issues of concern and I will do everything I can to help resolve the problems or find out who may be able to help."

In his spare time, Lewis enjoys music and gigs, playing tennis and is an avid Arsenal supporter.