A Norfolk sub-postmaster has launched his campaign to become the county's police and crime commissioner next month.

James Joyce, Liberal Democrat candidate for the post which will see police authorities in England and Wales scrapped, said he will work hard to protect 'your home and family' if elected and wanted to bring people and the police closer together to deal with crime and anti-social behaviour.

Unveiling his manifesto yesterday, Mr Joyce, who has stepped down from the Norfolk Police Authority after seven years to contest his campaign, said his priorities would be:

? Cutting bureaucracy to help police spend more time on the streets.

? Targeting more resources on rape and domestic violence.

? Developing links between police and the public and looking for new powers to tackle anti-social behaviour.

? Toughening up community sentencing.

? Providing better support for victims of crime and expanding restorative justice.

? Promoting closer co-operation between police and other key agencies, like health and social services.

He said: 'Norfolk is acknowledged as one of the safest places to live in England with 50 crimes per 1,000 residents against an average of 66 crimes per 1,000 across the country. I want to make sure this position is maintained.

'However, I do not want to just get into a numbers game as there are certain numbers which I am passionate about driving up. Numbers such as reported drug convictions, domestic violence, sexual crime and rape convictions, (No has to mean No!).'

He added: 'Like all public bodies, the Police are under financial pressure, they need to do more for less.

'Driving out inefficiency is and has to remain a key priority. Backroom savings must continue to be turned into front line visibility.'

? UKIP county councillor for Lowestoft South division, Bill Mountford, is to stand for the party in next month's first elections for a Police and Crime Commissioner in Suffolk.

His entry into the race means there are now four candidates in the county. Tim Passmore is standing for the Conservatives, Jane Basham is the Labour candidate, and former Radio Orwell boss David Cocks is standing as an independent.

peter.walsh@archant.co.uk