Officers honoured for their bravery

9:28am Friday 2nd May 2008

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BRAVE cops who tackled armed burglars and fought off a vicious attack by a drug dealer's dogs were among many honoured at a special awards ceremony.

Police officers from the North and East Hampshire Operational Command Unit (OCU) - of which Basingstoke is part - were honoured for their professionalism and bravery at the Commander's Commendation Ceremony, held at the Maltings Centre, in Alton.

'I would like to thank all the family and friends who have supported my staff because, as you have heard, we have had to deal with some horrendous things'

Chief Superintendent Mark Chatterton

A co-ordinated operation by Basingstoke officers, that foiled a burglary won praise as a shining example of teamwork - a cornerstone of policing.

Acting on a tip-off that the Sun Tan Shop in London Road, Basingstoke, was going to be targeted, Pc Adam Buckfield and Pc Amie Padfield prepared an action plan and had an alarm installed.

When the raiders arrived on the scene, Pc Mark Gallagher caught the two culprits red-handed and arrested them.

However, one of the would-be-thieves began beating him with a crowbar.

Nevertheless, the plucky Pc stood his ground and managed to arrest one of the suspects, although the other escaped.

Meanwhile, CCTV operated by Shopwatch Special Constable Colin Jackson was tracking the other suspect, enabling Pc Graeme Eaton and Pc Nigel Cole to collar him in possession of a knife and his loot.

Other police officers involved that night were Pc Harjinda Sokhi, Pc Rachel Noble, Pc John Hood and Pc Kersten Studd.

Speaking after the ceremony, Pc Sokhi said: "It was a fantastic example of teamworking across the board, right from when the information was initially developed, through to dealing with the incident taking place."

The bravery of two Basingstoke officers who tackled some of the area's most vicious thugs was also commended.

Pc Andrew Wright was praised for taking a drug-crazed thief, known for his violence, off the streets of Basingstoke.

The eagle-eyed Pc was off-duty when he spotted the villain, who had been wanted for months by police for a string of burglaries.

During a chase, the callous crook pushed over an elderly woman standing in his path, fracturing her hip.

But the constable's tenacity won the day, and he caught the suspect who is now behind bars.

Pc James Oldfield was in plain clothes patrolling when he stopped and searched a prolific drug dealer.

But, after revealing himself as a police officer, he was set upon by the suspect's two Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

A battle with the terriers ensued, yet the officer fought them off and went on to arrest the dealer.

The ceremony also heard how police work is not just about dealing with violence.

Acting Sergeant Ian Goudie and Pc Adam Pink were dispatched to Knight Street, in Basingstoke, in December last year, where a sex attack suspect was threatening to hang himself.

The pair successfully used negotiation skills to talk him down.

Chief Inspector Jill Baldry, district commander for Basingstoke and Deane, said: "The professional way that both officers dealt with this incident no doubt averted a man from taking his own life."

In another incident, Inspector Stephen Baxter talked round a suicidal 17-year-old boy standing at the top of a parapet of the Festival Place shopping centre, threatening to jump.

Work dealing with criminal elements within a visiting travellers camp in Basingstoke was also commended.

In July, travellers were illegally camping in Basingstoke's Old Common and at the rear of The Apollo Hotel.

During this time, complaints about criminal activity began flooding in from residents. But, thanks to Basingstoke's Insp Julie Young, working alongside Insp Clive Marsh and Brian Saunders, from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, the situation was resolved.

Chief Insp Baldry said: "The efficient and well co-ordinated operation was extremely well received by the community and praised by elected members."

Pc Faris Siwadi stepped forward to receive an award for his dedicated work with a scheme aimed at breaking the cycle of offending.

The police initiative works by teaming up with the local authority and the probation service to keep offenders on the straight and narrow after being released from prison.

Chief Superintendent Mark Chatterton, head of the North and East Hampshire OCU, said: "I would like to thank all the family and friends who have supported my staff because, as you have heard, we have had to deal with some horrendous things."