Devoted inspector beats a retreat

FOUR decades on the force . . . Insp Dave Stopford is retiring

INSPECTOR Dave Stopford has seen and done it all during his 30 years with the police.

But all good things must come to an end and the popular neighbourhood inspector retires today in his four decade in the force.

The 54-year-old father of two joined GMP in 1980 after liking the look of the profession when a neighbour signed up.

He started as a PC, patrolling the streets of Middleton Junction and Langley before moving to CID and the plain clothes department.

In 1999 he was promoted to sergeant and moved to Oldham before rising to inspector five years later.

In 2005, Insp Stopford started his role as Failsworth and Hollinwood neighbourhood inspector where he stayed until retirement.

He said: “The last five years have brought many challenges and I have been able to work with a great team of officers and also some very committed partners.

“We have concentrated on improving the quality of life for those who live and work in the area and, while you can’t please all the people all the time, we have achieved a great deal of success.

“Crime and anti-social behaviour has been in steady decline and my policing team together with our partners and the community have worked tirelessly to achieve this success.

“I will miss working alongside them, particularly the day-to-day involvement which at times has been inspirational.”

During his time in Failsworth and Hollinwood, Insp Stopford is most proud of his work to drive down anti-social behaviour and in particular, bringing in a dispersal order to control underage drinking and Challenge 25 which tackles youths buying booze.