A former top Dudley policeman who was instrumental in setting up a partnership which helped to protect local businesses from crime has died aged 64.

Former Dudley chief superintendent Mike Holder who retired from the force in 1993 after nearly 30 years service, died at Russells Hall Hospital last night after suffering a stroke.

Mr Holder, of Stourbridge, was a former president of the Black Country Chamber and chairman of the Dudley Borough Business Crime Partnership – a scheme set up to protect shops and businesses from crime. He ran a security service Cougar, based in Cradley Heath.

His friends today paid tribute to a “larger than life character” who showed endless “integrity and support” for the local business community.

Chief Superintendent Keith Baldwin, who is chairman of the West Midlands Superintendent Association, said: “Mike was one of those larger-than-life characters.” 

The Business Crime Partnership project, set up in 2003, was so successful it was recognised by the national body Action Against Business Crime earlier this year. 

He leaves wife Lillian, son Andrew, daughter Nicola and three grandchildren.