Two of Wiltshire Police’s officers have been awarded a Chief Constable’s Commendation after showing exceptional courage while intervening in a violent shoplifting incident during their lunch break when they were off duty.
Both PCs required hospital treatment following the incident.
Police Constables Bezzant and Whettam were attending a training day at Gablecross Police Station on 23 February this year when they visited a nearby store during a lunch break.
Although not operational at the time and wearing civilian jackets without personal protective equipment, the officers witnessed a disturbance involving two individuals who’d been challenged by store security for theft and were attempting to flee the premises.
Immediately identifying themselves as officers, PCs Bezzant and Whettam pursued the suspects in an effort to prevent them escaping. However, rather than complying, the offenders responded with extreme violence, assaulting both officers in a sustained struggle involving punches, wrestling and attempts to bite.
PC Whettam said: “The female was stopped by PC Bezzant and I eventually caught up with the male. He started to offer violence and took a boxing stance with raised fists after throwing the stolen items on the ground.
“Despite my efforts to reduce the violence, he persisted. Using necessary force, and whilst being physically assaulted and punched several times, PC Bezzant and I eventually had the pair arrested with the help of our colleagues who arrived after I managed to call 999 during the incident while we had the male pinned on the floor.”
During the confrontation, one of the suspects stamped on the head of one of the officers. Despite suffering injuries and knowing the offenders were determined to resist arrest violently, both officers continued their efforts to detain the pair until colleagues arrived to assist.
Resilience recognised
The actions of both officers prevented the offenders from escaping and protected members of the public from further harm. Their determination, professionalism and resilience in the face of significant personal risk have now been recognised with a Chief Constable’s Commendation.
Speaking about his motivation for joining policing, PC Whettam said: “I joined the police initially because I wanted to join National Policing Aviation Service (NPAS) and ultimately to fight crime. I now do what I can to reduce crime, reduce violence and ensure public safety in my role as a neighbourhood officer.”
Chief Constable’s Commendations recognise officers and staff who’ve demonstrated “outstanding courage, commitment and professionalism.” PCs Bezzant and Whettam’s actions in February exemplify those qualities, showing an “unwavering dedication to protecting the public, even when off duty from front line responsibilities,” Wiltshire Police said.
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