A TOP police chief who has helped combat crime on the streets of East Lancashire for the last 34 years will retire next month.

And as he bows out, Superintendent Malcolm Rawcliffe, 50, is urging the public to work in partnership with the constabulary to deter law-breakers. He said: "The police and the public should fight crime together. Hard-working police men and women are trying to do their best for ordinary people and don't always get the support we used to get.

"People should really get behind the police to make life uncomfortable for the criminal and the yobs who disrupt life for us all."

During a long and distinguished career, which began as a beat bobby, the Superintendent has been in charge of royal visits, firearms operations and involved in security for political conferences.

One of his most recent and rewarding assignments was to help set up Accrington's crime-busting closed circuit TV system, one of the most advanced in Britain.

Crime has been halved since the introduction of the cameras, along with a team of community safety wardens patrolling the town centre. The sophisticated security system, spotlighted on national TV as a model for others to follow, was made possible by a partnership between the borough council, police, public and private sectors.

Mr Rawcliffe said: "I'm absolutely delighted by its success and it's a good example of the police and public all pulling in the same direction."

The Superintendent joined Blackburn borough police as a 16-year-old cadet straight from Accrington Grammar School.

Rising through the ranks of constable and sergeant, he became an inspector in Blackburn and Darwen and was prosecutions inspector in Blackburn for five years.

He went as chief inspector to Nelson and Colne, and then took charge of Clitheroe rural sub-division before returning to Nelson and Colne as superintendent in charge.

In 1992, he was appointed superintendent in charge of Blackburn sub-division, moving two years later to become commander of the new Accrington division, where he stayed until the force re-structuring earlier this year.

Now based in Blackburn, he retires on September 15 as operational manager for the combined Eastern division.

Mr Rawcliffe, who lives in Tottleworth, Rishton, with his wife, Marilyn, is looking forward to having more time to spend with his family.

His son, Ian, is a police constable in Haslingden and daughter Elizabeth recently graduated with a BA Honours degree in French and German.

He also plans to catch up on some of the DIY jobs around the house and enjoy "generally pottering about."

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