A POLICE sergeant who has spent years cracking down on crime in Frinton and Walton has been given a new posting in Clacton.

Sgt Pete Gerard took over the top job at Walton police station in 2009, moving over from Clacton.

He made his mark on the community, regularly attending town council crime and disorder working party sessions and residents’ association meetings.

While the number of officers covering the area has fallen over the years, Sgt Gerard has helped keep crime rates low.

He has now moved permanently back to Clacton after months of filling in there on a temporary basis.

Frinton councillor Terry Allen said: “He has done a lot of great work for our area, and it is a real shame to lose an excellent officer.

“He lives in our town and knows our area and made a big impact here. It must be a step up for him, but we should be sorry to see him go. I would just like to say thank you for everything he has done.”

Sgt Gerard’s departure leaves PC Ian Rutherford and six PCSOs as the only officers based in Frinton and Walton. Harwich-based Sgt Paul Gale will oversee the team, managing the PCSOs by remote supervision and regular conference briefings.