ACCRINGTON'S new police inspector today issued crooks with a warning -- after revealing he was a fan of the zero tolerance officer nicknamed RoboCop.

Ray Mallon, the former no-nonsense head of CID in Middlesbrough, introduced New York-style policing to the North East and is now its first elected mayor.

Insp Julian Platt said Mallon's passion was an important factor which all officers should have. And he warned Accrington drug dealers and burglars that a special unit is launching twice-weekly raids on their homes. -- with beat officers are using all available powers to sort out louts.

Insp Platt said: "The work Ray Mallon did was absolutely what the community demanded. His principles were well-placed and the police service needs passionate people (like him)."

Mr Mallon first made a name for himself in Middlesbrough. His tough approach to all crime, no matter how minor, made him hugely popular with the general public and some police officers. But he was later accused -- although finally cleared -- of wrong-doing within Middlesbrough CID.

His case became part of a wider investigation into Cleveland Police, called Operation Lancet. Although he was cleared, he left the force to stand as an independent mayoral candidate in Middlesbrough and won with a huge majority.

Insp Platt said he liked Mr Mallon's passion, but thought his high-profile and association with scandals may have led to his downfall within the police. In Accrington, 31-year-old Insp Platt has just taken over control of the area's 70 uniformed officers. He has 11 years' service and has worked in Accrington, Great Harwood and Blackburn, plus the force's Eastern Support Unit. His hometown is Preston.

He is looking forward to his new role in Accrington and said beat officers were vital to his work.

"Our community beat managers are the eyes-and-ears of the community. They are addressing a lot of really important issues for the people of Accrington, like drugs offences, nuisance and disorder. These things effect the quality of life for residents, some of whom are being plagued.

"Historically, beat bobbies represented the police and listened to what people said. Today, our community beat managers are far more pro-active. They spend every day in their area.

"They are using all the latest legislation, including new civil powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act and working closely with other bodies.

"They are empowering the public. We used view things (crime) as just as a police problem. Now, we go that extra mile with other groups. It's about delivering up-to-date legislation."

Insp Platt said progress has been made in recent years. He recalled his second phase in Accrington as a town centre sergeant. Accrington was regarded as a no-go area at weekends. People were frightened to go into the town centre. But things are better. Now, residents say their quality of life is being reduced.

"These are serious issues we need to address," he said and he wanted to hear what people had to say.

He paid tribute to former Accrington inspector Phil Cottam, who now heads the police traffic department, saying: "Accrington's crime figures are improving. Burglary is 30 per cent down. We currently have an average of one burglary per day, which is quite unprecedented."