WILTSHIRE’S police commissioner has responded to claims that elected commissioners are focussing too much resource on crimes like speeding – and not enough on serious organised crime.

Lynne Owens, director general of the National Crime Agency, told The Times that gaps were emerging between police forces in their ability to tackle cyber crime, online child abuse and other crimes typically controlled by organised gangs.

She wants new powers to ensure police commissioners and chief constables allocate officers and cash to fighting serious organised crime.

But Angus Macpherson, police and crime commissioner for Wiltshire, defended his force’s record.

Wiltshire Police contributes officers and resources to the south west Regional Organised Crime Unit, which is responsible for investigating complex fraud and cybercrime cases.

Mr Macpherson said he had visited the unit this week and was committed to ensuring Wiltshire got its “fair share” of time and attention from the regional detectives.

The force also set up a dedicated cybercrime unit last year under the leadership of a detective inspector. “That local cyber unit is absolutely supported by the regional teams,” he said. Its role was more important as people became more complacent about what information they shared online, Mr Macpherson added.