Police face a challenge on the high seas

£10,000 target for Det Chief Insp John Piekos and the GMP team

A FORMER Oldham CID inspector is swopping his warrant card for a windbreaker to raise money for a crime-fighting charity.

Det Chief Insp John Piekos is part of the Greater Manchester Police team taking part in the Capgemini Sailing Challenge.

It is one of 20 police crews heading to the Isle of Wight on September 27 to raise money for Crimestoppers, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

The team is aiming to raise £10,000 by sailing 60 nautical miles, and cross the finish line first.

The GMP officers and staff taking part are all members of the force’s Blue Line Yacht Club, part of the force’s sports and social club.

Mr Piekos and his team will be led by experienced sailors Insp Andrew Hudson and control room manager Andy Massey, and supported by Sgt Eddie Goff, Insp Alan Kelly and PC Kevin Wick.

Insp Hudson said: “While our main priority is to raise money for charity, I have no doubt there will be some friendly rivalry between the forces involved.

“Crimestoppers is an invaluable resource for the police as it allows the public to give information about crimes anonymously to help officers to trace offenders and make communities safer.

“We are delighted that we are able to support this charity by raising money through sponsorship.”

Helen Turnbull, business development director for Capgemini, said: “We are delighted with the response we have received from police forces across the UK, with 20 teams setting sail.”

Sue Arden, regional manager of Greater Manchester Crimestoppers Board, said: “Although we are a nationally recognised brand, very few people actually understand that we are a charity and our reliance on donations and corporate support is crucial to our work.”

Since 1988, Crimestoppers has been a vital piece in the crime-fighting jigsaw, working in partnership with the police and other law enforcement agencies to bring criminals to justice.

The Capgemini Sailing Challenge aims to raise over £100,000 for national initiatives.

For more information visit www.uk.capgemini.com/sailing or www.justgiving.com/capgeminisailingchallenge-gmp.