Who is Peter Bleksley?
Rob Rinder: The Crime I Can't ForgetPeter Bleksley is a former undercover detective who later became a well-known crime commentator and broadcaster. While many people recognise him from television and radio, his reputation was built long before that.
Working deep undercover in organised crime, he spent years posing as someone else, gaining the trust of criminals and gathering inside evidence.
He features in the new Crime+Investigation series Rob Rinder: The Crime I Can’t Forget, which is available Monday, 8th June. The series follows a case that has stayed with Bleksley throughout his career.
Life as an undercover detective
Bleksley joined the Metropolitan Police in the 1980s. He moved into undercover policing early, taking on fake identities and entering criminal circles. His goal was to observe, build relationships and quietly collect information that could later be used in court.
This kind of work was rarely fast-paced or dramatic. Instead, it was slow and careful. Officers like Bleksley had to spend long periods gaining trust with the criminals they associated with. He worked on cases involving organised crime, drug dealing and violent offenders. These investigations often took months and sometimes years to develop.
The reality of covert policing
Undercover work is not just about having courage; it also affects psychological and emotional health. This is because undercover officers have to live double lives. They are constantly balancing their real identity with the role they are playing. One mistake can end an operation or put their life at risk.
Bleksley became known for his ability to handle this type of pressure. Within policing, he had a strong reputation for being a focused and effective operative, even in complex investigations.
From police work to media
After leaving the police, Bleksley moved into the media. He became a crime expert on television and radio, giving his insight into investigations and high-profile cases.
His experience set him apart, as he was able to speak from first-hand knowledge, not theory. He often explained how cases really work behind the scenes, something audiences don’t always get to see.
The Lucy Hargreaves case
One particular case that stands out in Bleksley’s work is the murder of Lucy Hargreaves. Lucy was 22 years old when she was killed in Liverpool in 2002. Despite a major investigation, the case has never been solved. Her family has spent years searching for answers.
Bleksley explored this case in the BBC podcast Finding Kevin Parle. The series focuses on a key suspect and works to uncover new information.
Finding Kevin Parle
Kevin Parle, also known as "Hemp", is one of the UK’s most wanted men. Police are searching for him over two murders in Liverpool. One, the 2004 shooting of 16-year-old Liam Kelly and the other, a 2005 killing of young mother Lucy Hargreaves. He has been on the run for more than 20 years, with reported sightings in places like Spain, Dubai and Australia.
In the Finding Kevin Parle podcast, Bleksley takes a fresh look, using his background as a detective to ask new questions and re-examine old evidence. The podcast isn’t just a retelling of the crime. It’s an active attempt to move the case forward.
A focus on victims
In undercover work, it is easy to become focused on intelligence and operations. But Bleksley has always kept a strong focus on victims and their families. His work on the Hargreaves case shows his commitment to keeping those stories alive and ensuring they are not forgotten.
The lasting impact
Peter Bleksley’s career shows how crime investigation has changed over time.
He moved from covert, face-to-face operations to using the media to help solve cases. But despite this shift, his core aim has remained the same: finding the truth.
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