My name is Kevin O’Neill and I am the Chief Superintendent in charge of the Northern Division of South Wales Police, incorporating Merthyr and Rhondda Cynon Taff.
Merthyr Tydfil is my hometown and it is where I still live with my family.
I am extremely proud to be working in what I consider to be my own community. I have a passion for the valleys and the people, and I am determined to work with local leaders and partnerships to improve the quality of life for those living here.
It is essential that by working together, we protect the vulnerable as well as ensuring those responsible for crime are caught and held responsible. I am born and bred in the valleys so I know what issues concern people because, as a resident, they concern me too.
Northern Division includes two local authorities – Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council and Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council – and its famous valleys have some of the most stunning scenery to be found in Wales as well as rich industrial and mining histories.
Visitors, and those who come to work here, will quickly realise that communities in each of the urban and valley areas have distinct identities and cultures of which residents are extremely proud.
There are challenges ahead but the good news is crime in the area is low. This success is due to the professional work of officers, the active involvement of our partners, the local authorities and also the public who I know want to make this an even better place to work, live and socialise.
We are here to keep the people of Merthyr and Rhondda Cynon Taff safe and we will aim to do that by locking up the bad guys and taking care of the good people.
The latest Home Office figures for Merthyr and Rhondda Cynon Taff show crime is down 6.2 per (1,748 fewer victims) during the 12 months to September 2009, when compared with the same 12 months the year before.
During this period 138 fewer homes were broken into - a 11.6 per cent reduction - and 308 fewer cars were stolen - a 23.7 per cent reduction. Violent crime is also down 7 per cent.
We are here to listen to concerns and respond to them positively, so if anyone thinks we could be doing something better or if anyone has a policing issue in their area then I would encourage them to contact their local officer.
You can find their mobile phone numbers on ourbobby.com