BROMLEY police's new temporary borough commander has begun her role with a simple message - stay vigilant.

Chief Superintendent Steph Roberts took over yesterday from Chief Superintendent Charles Griggs as Bromley's top cop.

The 47-year-old who moves to the borough from the Met Police's Counter Terrorism Command, was appointed after nobody applied for the position.

As burglary and car crime amount to a third of overall crime in the borough, she has warned households to lock doors and windows and not to leave valuables in vehicles.

Mother-of-two Chief Supt Roberts said: "It's with great pleasure that I take up post of borough commander for Bromley.

"Undoubtedly this is a high performing borough with a high public satisfaction rate and this clearly hasn't happened by accident - it is down to the professionalism, hard work and commitment of the people working here.

"Although this is a temporary post for me there will be no complacency and we need to continue to improve performance and keep those standards high.

"I have a vested interest in keeping the borough safe as a local resident and I feel strongly about local issues.

"As we enter the new year, I appeal for residents to remain vigilant. Please ensure that you lock doors and windows fully and do not leave valuables in your car.

"These two simple steps would help to reduce crime in Bromley further, as car crime and burglary account for almost a third of our total crime. Your vigilance can make a difference."

Mr Griggs, 51, has become the borough commander for Southwark police after five years in the same role at Bromley.

There were no applicants for the job in Bromley due to the number of vacancies in the Met for chief superintendents.

It is hoped the post will be filled by April when an officer is promoted.