Well this is my first blog of 2012 and can I take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and happy New Year.

Here at South Worcestershire Police we are just catching our breath following the hectic festive period.

However, policing never stops and as well keeping the residents of Worcester, Wychavon and Malvern safe we are supporting our colleagues from Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Police forces in carrying out some high-profile roadside operations targeting metal thieves and other villains this month.

My officers are also getting about a bit as they have been supporting our colleagues from Herefordshire and Shropshire in policing some high-profile matches at Hereford Utd and Shrewsbury Town.

Now, talking of football I am pleased to say that South Worcestershire Police football team has recently taken possession of a new nice strip; in blue of course!

Officers and community support officers regularly play against community sides as a way of breaking down barriers, particularly with young people.

The only problem now is, whilst we may now look the part, I'm not sure we will play any better! January is of course the time of year when most of us think about getting that little bit fitter and working off the Christmas excess.

However, with the best of intentions one of my officers (who shall remain nameless) sadly injured himself whilst trying to enter into the spirit of things on New Year's Eve by joining in with the Worcester space hopper race.

Thankfully he was not seriously injured and at least showed police officers are human too.

Im also doing my bit by signing up to run the Worcester Half Marathon on Sunday 15 April for a good cause.

If you have nothing else to do that day, come along and support a middle aged copper as I (hopefully) stumble across the line!

Until next time...