A Specials co-ordinator from Staffordshire Police who used her expertise, intuition and bravery to stop three shoplifters in Gnosall has been given a national bravery award.

Sue Bohanan, who has served in the specials constabulary for more than three decades, was presented with a gold-plated silver medal at the National Police Chiefs Council’s annual Police Public Bravery Awards last night (Thursday 14 November).

The awards honour selfless members of the public who have placed themselves in dangerous situations, protected others, defended communities, prevented crime or actively assisted police.

Sue was going to her local Co-op on 6 December last year when she saw three men get out of a car and start emptying shelves of bottles and spirits.

Without hesitating, she blocked off the entrance and challenged them.

They managed to leave the store and shot across the road, with Sue following them. They didn't have time to get into the car, so they went off onto some nearby fields.

She then called 999 and let down the tyres on the car the men had arrived in, further limiting their chances of escape.  

More officers then turned up and detained one of the men, a 43-year-old from Wolverhampton.

He pleaded guilty to theft from a shop in court later on and was fined a total of £435 at North Staffordshire Justice Centre.

Chief Constable Chris Noble said: "It makes me really proud that Sue’s brave actions have received national recognition.

“It takes bravery, as well as instinctive reaction, to do what Sue did. She is someone who is invested in day-to-day policing, is clearly very committed to her local community and has a real sense of justice at her core as well.

“Once you're a part of the police family, there is that additional responsibility to take crime personally, to protect our communities and to make sure there are consequences for people who do commit offences."

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