Thieves snatch 'Robocop's' chains

Mr Mallon's mayoral chains were taken from Middlesbrough town hall

Thieves have stolen the mayoral chains of former senior police officer-turned mayor Ray Mallon.

The former Cleveland Police officer, nicknamed Robocop for his "zero tolerance" approach to tackling criminals, was attending a function as Middlesbrough Mayor at the town hall.

But during the event the 30cm-long solid gold chains were left on a table in a robing room - and a sneak thief nipped in and made off with them.

An appeal has now gone out to find the 30-year-old chains made up of 30 kite-shaped gold links.

A Middlesbrough Council spokesman said: "We want anyone who knows the whereabouts of the chains to contact the council or police immediately."

The chain is worth £60,000 and in the past was worn by the chairman of the former Cleveland County Council.

Mr Mallon, the former head of Middlesbrough CID, has only worn the chain once in public at the November 2002 Remembrance Day parade in Middlesbrough.

But it was taken to Middlesbrough town hall for photographs to be taken for civic records.

A Cleveland Police spokesman said: "The chain is not an item that can be sold on, but there is a possibility it could be melted down."