HE has twice saved the lives of police officers, foiled at least ten drug dealers and helped catch one of York's most prolific criminals.

But Australian-born Frank Haffey, 41, is not a policeman he's a plain clothes store detective at Borders bookshop in York.

Frank has twice tackled knife-wielding crooks and helped fight crime on countless occasions since he was appointed in 1997.

Now he is to receive one of the country's highest awards for bravery as a result of his outstanding work.

Frank, who works for Strata Security and Combined Services Ltd, said the most memorable incidents he had been involved in both involved knife attacks on police officers.

Officers who work with him say he has an almost photographic memory of people, and once he sees a face he rarely forgets it.

He said: "I love my job.

"I enjoy the satisfaction of removing the criminal element from the streets of York, whether they are drug dealers, shoplifters or anything else.

"I've got a bit of a sixth sense when it comes to spotting trouble, and I never forget a face."

And he never gets frightened in violent situations.

"I don't know what fear is," he said.

"The adrenalin kicks in and I just do what I have to do."

It's been a great year for Frank so far. As well as getting the award, which he says he is "delighted" to receive, his fiance, Caroline, is pregnant with their first child.

Sergeant Martin Metcalfe, of York Police, said: "He is one of the best security guards I have ever known. If I call him even when he is off-duty he will try to help me out.

"He knows everybody in York who is committing offences, and two pairs of eyes are better than one when you are looking for an offender, so if I'm looking for someone wanted for quite an important offence he'll come with me and help me hunt them down, even if I call him at 9pm.

"The evidence he gives is so good I know I can trust him 100 per cent. He is simply the best."

He said Frank had helped to identify wanted offenders on "hundreds" of occasions.

Sgt Metcalfe said: "Without his dedication to reducing crime, there would surely be numerous violent offenders roaming the streets of York."

Frank will be presented with a Provincial Police Award at a ceremony at North Yorkshire Police Headquarters at Newby Wiske today.

l Credit card fraudsters thwarted THANKS to a tip-off from Frank Haffey, police were able to catch a group of Malaysian fraudsters red-handed when they came to York armed with cloned credit cards to swindle shopkeepers.

In January 2005 they went on a £4,600 shopping spree in York with the cards.

Frank had become suspicious of one of them and followed him, alerting the police.

The offenders were subsequently each jailed for ten-and-half years.

Frank received an award from his employers for his involvement in that case.

In February 2004, Frank contacted York Police to inform them that a well-known suspect was in the East Parade area.

He had been wanted by police for a long time and was one of their top targets.

When police arrived the suspect tried to escape. Frank pinned him to the ground so that they could arrest him.

Frank has informed police of drug deals in York city centre on at least ten occasions.