Campaigning top cop set for retirement in Italy

Feb 15 2009 by Phil Doherty, Sunday Sun

THE top cop in charge of the region’s largest force has announced that he will retire next year to enjoy the sunny climes of Italy. In an exclusive interview the Chief Constable of Northumbria Police Mike Craig tells PHIL DOHERTY that he’ll be leaving the force in good shape.

WHEN Mike Craik became Chief Constable of the region’s largest police force he pledged to clamp down on crime.

In difficult times he has largely delivered. Serious crime has tumbled, along with car crime and violent crime. And his high-profile campaign to curb anti-social behaviour — The Party’s Over – was also hailed a success.

But he still does not see it as job done. He is looking forward to his retirement next year, when he will spend more time in his beloved Italy, but he knows there is still much to do if he is going to leave behind a force equipped to deal with the 21st century.

He said: “We have seen big drops in crime, and the front-line officers have done a lot to achieve this.

“When I took over we were only catching 20 per cent of the criminals, but now it’s 40pc and in some areas such as Alnwick it’s 50pc.

“And for serious crime we now catch 70pc of the criminals.

“In the near future we are looking to use new technologies in innovative ways. “For example, internet and texting will allow our neighbourhood teams to reach more people.

“We are introducing hand-held computers for officers and to put in cars.