There is a new bobby in Aidensfield. Steve Crane will replace PC Bradley, who has been transferred to CID. Crane is not the only newcomer in the village. Dr. Liz Merrick moves in at the surgery as the new GP in Aidensfield. She is concerned about the loss of patients since her predecessor died, but Vernon Scripps offers to deliver a letter from her to every potential patient in the village. Two neighbouring farms have been broken into, but the owners Jack Farrow and Walter Rawlins say the break-ins are mere trifles and not worth any police attention. PC Crane does not agree and suspects they cover something up. Gerald Dunphy is wanted for armed robbery and Mike's first case as a detective constable is to keep an eye on his girlfriend in case he shows up.

When the attractive newcomer Vivienne Mackay is murdered suspicion falls on the backward George Ashton. Normally he wouldn't hurt a fly, but he got mad at her when she pushed him accidentally. But also her fiancée Dominick Billingham is in the picture since he had a row with her at the Aidensfield Arms the night before. PC Mason also has to take care of her son Scott, because Mason's mother was murdered too. Dawns cousin Vince intends to sell hot dogs and leaves his van in her care for a couple of days. Thus he will miss the Ashfordly Cup final which draws a lot of spectators and Dawn decides to use the opportunity to make some extra pocket money. She allies herself with David and that does not suit Aunt Peggy who has planned to sell backed potatoes during the match and as usual has "volunteered him" to lend her a hand.