The district's new police boss has set tackling burglaries, anti-social behaviour and rural crime as her first priorities after starting her new role.

Chief Inspector Janette Rawlingson is the new District Commander for Braintree and Uttlesford, taking over from Craig Carrington, who moved on last month.

Mum-of-two Mrs Rawlingson has worked for Essex Police for more than 20 years, including spending nearly a decade working across the area as a sergeant.

After taking up the role, she has promised to focus on preventing and disrupting criminal activity in the area - with a particular focus on reducing rural crime, burglaries and anti-social behaviour.

Mrs Rawlingson is also keen to promote closer workings between agencies, something she championed as the police lead on the Essex Emergency Services Collaboration Team.

She said: "I’ve seen the results that working together can bring and I’m passionate about using everyone’s knowledge and skills to work effectively and efficiently to protect those living in and visiting Essex.

"Braintree and Uttlesford have some of the most beautiful rural locations in the county, but this does come with its challenges.

“Having grown up in rural Essex myself, I fully understand and appreciate the concerns and the requirements of these communities."

Mrs Rawlingson, who has also worked as a Tactical Firearms Commander, said her teams would work with residents, businesses and authorities to make both districts as safe as possible.

"We will continue to work to improve confidences and respond to the needs of our community," she said.

“Our Braintree and Uttlesford Facebook page is an excellent way to keep up-to-date with what is happening in the district, whether it’s upcoming community events, opportunities to raise concerns with the local policing team, witness appeals or criminal investigation charges and court outcomes.”

Outside of work, Mrs Rawlingson is a volunteer for the Wilderness Foundation, which uses nature and conservation to transform vulnerable people's lives.

She is also a keen runner and has completed two marathons in support of Jack's Pack - a charity dedicated to fighting children's cancer neuroblastoma.