A POLICE officer has been promoted to lead a team that will tackle burglary, vehicle crime and street robbery in Rossendale, Burnley and Pendle.

Detective Inspector Steve Chard has taken up the position in the Pennine Division's Pro-active Team, which aims to target crimes that cause the community most concern.

The team was set up as part of the division's 2001/2002 policing plan in response to feedback from the public.

Mr Chard, 39, was a uniform sergeant in Colne. He began his career in 1980 and has spent most of it in the Pennine Division.

He has worked on foot patrols in Burnley, Padiham and Barnoldswick, and has been a detective in Burnley and Nelson, as well as a Sergeant in Colne.

He said: "Over the years I have to know the towns and many of the people - that's one of the reasons why I am so keen to work with them to address their concerns.

"Having dedicated resources to tackle crimes like burglary and vehicle crime should go a long way towards helping us to catch offenders and reduce the number of victims of these types of crime."

He is married with two children and lives in Burnley. He supports Burnley FC and enjoys circuit training.