Sheppey’s new top cop says he has a simple approach to reducing crime – catch more offenders.

Tony Cannon has taken over the role of Island Inspector from Noel Stanley, who is departing for a position in the serious crime directorate at force headquarters in Maidstone.

The 48-year-old’s first day on the job was a baptism of fire as he had to deal with the blaze at the Glass House two weeks ago.

His previous position was as a response inspector in Medway where he was in charge of a team of 20 officers, responding to emergency calls.

Originally from Gillingham, he started 25 years ago as a patrol officer in Gravesend and Dartford and after two years there he transferred to criminal investigations.

In 2005 he assisted the Metropolitan Police during the terrorist bombings in London and has also worked in a training role and as a force duty inspector.

When asked what his approach to policing the Island will be, the avid Gillingham FC fan said: “It is really easy for me.

“It is about reducing crime, catching those criminals and bringing them to justice so we get a positive outcome and for me, I want to create a safe place for people on Sheppey to live and work here.

“It is really about continuing the excellent work that Noel Stanley did here and my objectives are exactly the same as his.

“It is about targeting those persistent offenders.

“It will be the same people that commit most of the crime and it is just about targeting them through the intelligence we receive.”

The married father-of-three hopes to promote community engagement through the work of PSCOs and public meetings.

He had never worked on Sheppey before he started his new job but he used to visit with family and is, “getting to know the area and its people very quickly”.

He added: “My criminal investigation and operational experience will benefit the role here. I have got a real accountability and ownership of the Island. This role is mine and I am accountable for the service that we deliver here.”