Let’s be having a good retirement

RETIRED . . . Insp Dave Willcocks

A POPULAR police officer is hanging up his handcuffs after more than three years keeping a watchful eye over Chadderton.

Inspector Dave Willcocks has retired from Greater Manchester Police after a 32-year career with the force.

Inspector Willcocks started off in the cadets in 1978 before moving on to work in Collyhurst and Manchester city centre before spending three years at the force’s drugs unit.

Promoted to Inspector in 1999, he worked at Moss Side before deciding four legs were better than two and took up a post with the mounted unit at Hough End.

Inspector Willcocks said: “I have had an exciting and fulfilled career which has taken me all over the force, from the drugs unit to the mounted unit, Manchester to Oldham, and has given me the opportunity to be part of some the most high profile football matches GMP has ever policed.

“The last three years have been the highlight and I can’t think of a better place to finish my career.

“I’m proud to have worked with a great team and a great community.

“I’ve taken great pride in listening to the concerns of residents and acting on those concerns, making sure we give people a clear minimum standard of service they can expect from their local police.

“By working with local residents we have seen a big reduction in crime and anti-social behaviour and I’m sure the team will continue to listen to the needs of the community to make Chadderton a safer place to live and work.

Passion

“I know I’m leaving the community in good hands. Inspector Kevin Rankin shares the same passion I have in improving the quality of life of our residents so I couldn’t think of anyone better to hand over the reins.”

Inspector Rankin took over at Chadderton Neighbourhood Policing Team this week and Inspector Melita Worswick will now lead the Oldham East and Oldham Town Centre Neighbourhood Policing Teams.