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PC 827 ARTHUR CLIFFORD LOCKYEAR
PC Arty Lockyear

 PC Arty Lockyear was a well know figure in Seaham  to the extent he has become almost a cult figure.  He was a policeman of the old tradition - strict but fair.  Most Seaham people remember Arty with respect.  When crime and disorder are discussed today it is Arty Lockyear who is cited as the ideal cop.  They remember the big PC on the small motorbike who knew everyone in the town.  There was no escape from Arty.  He knew who you were, where you lived and he knew your parents and woe betide the young villain who brought Arty Lockyear to the front door.
Seaham Harbour Online feels that it is appropriate to dedicate a few pages to the man who has stimulated so much discussion in the Seaham Harbour Guestbook and who has such a place of respect in the hearts of so many of the people of the town he served.

Facts about Arty
Arthur Clifford Lockyear was born in Murton, Seaham, Co.Durham on 18th October 1920 the eldest son of Arthur  Lockyear (of Seaham) and Alice (Hanley, Staffs.)
Arty had two brothers and two sisters Bill, Alice, Joyce & Alan.
Alice & Alan are the remaining two members of the family.  Alan for many years was a well-known Seaham Councillor on Easington District Council until being seriously injured in the infamous Southall rail crash. Alan's wife Mary is currently a Seaham Town councillor.

On leaving school Arty was employed at Seaham Harbour Dock Company where he remained until leaving to join the RAF in 1940.  He stayed in the RAF until 1948 attaining the rank of Sergeant before ending his service.

It wasn't long before Arty was appointed a Police Constable on 9th October 1948.  He began his basic training at Plawsworth Police Training Centre and on 17th January 1949 he was posted to Dawdon in Seaham on Beat Duties.

Arthur spent the whole of his service in Seaham, and was commended on five occasions for exemplary Police Work, one commendation in particular was for  "Consistent High standard of Crime Detection"

He was awarded:
  •  the Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 1971.
  •   The Queens Silver Jubillee Medal 1977.

After Thirty Years of uniformed operational service he retired on 8th October 1978.

PC 827 Arthur Lockyear did not enjoy a long retirement, dying October 5th 1981 leaving wife Jane, sons Arthur & Anthony and daughter Anne. 

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