A SENIOR police officer left his post in Darlington yesterday, after more than two years overseeing major changes in the local force.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Macdonald has been crime manager in the town since November 2000.

Colleagues paid tribute to his successes, which have included helping to reduce numbers of burglaries by 18.4 per cent.

In his time as crime manager, thefts of motor vehicles have also dropped by 11.1 per cent and thefts from vehicles by 24.8 per cent.

Chief Superintendent Michael Banks said: "As crime manager, he was plain clothes most of the time but he also regularly donned his uniform and got out there.

"He has been a great example of visible leadership and we wish him well in his new role at the force headquarters in Durham."

Det Chief Insp Macdonald has also been a positive influence on the Darlington Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT).

Chairman of the team, Councillor Bill Dixon, said: "As chair of the DAAT I have been impressed with the contribution Ian Macdonald has made to tackling drugs.

"He has been a dynamic force for change and bringing the drugs agenda back to speedy treatment for addicts who cause so much crime. He will be missed by the DAAT as a whole, but I am sure he will take what he has learned about Darlington's drugs markets to his new role."

Det Chief Insp Macdonald's replacement is expected to be announced within the next month.