A BEAT bobby who clocked up more than 2,000 arrests during his 30 years of service has retired.

PC Graham Davies, from the Blackburn town centre team, handed in his badge this week.

According to official computer records, he made 1,526 arrests in the past 14 years, and the total is more like 2,000 throughout a career locking up the town’s criminals.

Graham, 53, who lives in Darwen, joined the Constabulary on 23 June 1980 working as a foot patrol officer in Darwen before moving to Blackburn in October 1985.

He spent the majority of his service patrolling the communities of Blackburn, working primarily in the town centre.

Graham also worked on the Toxteth riots in 1981 and the Minors Strikes in 1983.

He said: “I saw an advert to join the police in the newspaper on Boxing Day in 1979 and thought I’d give it a try. I never would have thought I would still be here 30 years later.

“One of my most memorable experiences was when I chased a Golf GTI from Blackburn to Bolton town centre in a one litre Metro and caught him.

“I have loved my time working in Blackburn. It’s been a challenging but fantastic career and I will be sad to go.”

Town centre Sergeant Alan Clayton said: “He was very proud to get more than 1,500 arrests and his total was a lot more than that.

“That works out as 100 arrests per year for the last 14 years which is way above what you would expect bobbies to have - maybe two or three times more.

“The fact that it is at the back end of his career as well makes it more special.

“He had the highest arrest rate in the division last year and that speaks volumes for him.

“He’ll be sorely missed in the town centre by us, the public and even the criminals. He had a rapport with them and was very fair - they knew that.”

Chief Superintendent Bob Eastwood said: “PC Davies epitomises the local bobby.

"For the last 30 years he has been a well known and influential police officer working within Blackburn communities.

"He should be proud of his service. He will be missed by his colleagues and we wish him well for the future.”

Graham is now planning on enjoying his retirement and is hoping to go on adventure holidays, starting with a trip to Everest base camp.