Beach beat awaits ex-Oldham chief

PACKING his bags . . . former Oldham top cop David Baines

OLDHAM’S former top cop will be soaking in the sun after swapping the rainy North-West for the Caribbean.

David Baines is leaving his post as Cheshire’s Assistant Chief Constable after being named as the new Commissioner of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS).

Mr Baines came to Oldham in August, 2001, when the borough was facing one of its bleakest periods after race riots tore it apart.

He left his position as Oldham Chief Superintendent in September, 2004, to join the Salford division in a bid to clamp down on spiralling crime.

But the father-of-three decided to leave after claiming Salford was becoming over-run by gangs of feral youths.

He was highly praised when leaving Oldham with council chiefs crediting him with restoring trust in the borough’s police force.

Keith Bentley replaced Mr Baines but left within a year to care for his sick wife.

Caroline Ball — Oldham’s first female Chief Supt — took over the role.

Mr Baines began his career in 1976, joining the Lancashire Constabulary as a 16-year-old police cadet. He was a detective for 17 years as he worked his way through the ranks.

He also helped create “Quest”, a Home Office-recognised programme to improve efficiencies in local police.

The 47-year-old will take up his post on June 1 and will be joined by his wife Anne.

Beyond policing, Mr Baines lists his hobbies as military history, reading, running, scuba diving, travel and motorcycling.

Cayman Island Governor Stuart Jack said: “I am looking forward to working with David Baines.

“I am confident that he has the skills and experience to see through the modernisation of the police service and meet the needs of this community.”

The announcement has been described as a surprise in the British overseas territory after months of speculation.

It was believed that Acting Commissioner of Police James Smith would gain the appointment by virtue of his experience in the position.