A retired West Midlands Police officer proved old habits die hard after leaping into action to help his former employer catch a thief.
Mark Richardson’s instincts kicked in when he spotted a man stealing from a parked car in Bournville.
The former officer contacted Police but then immediately followed the suspect discreetly in his own vehicle.
The 60-year-old kept an eye on the thief – who was on foot after taking a dash cam – until officers swiftly arrived within minutes to detain him on Thursday 18th November.
Mark confirmed to officers the man was responsible and the thief went on to admit his crime – along with threatening to headbutt one of the arresting officers during the arrest.
Father-of-two Mark – whose son Tom is also a Sergeant based within one of WMP’s custody blocks – said his policing instincts automatically came to the fore despite having retired a decade ago.
Mark said: “It was around 6am and I noticed someone acting suspiciously near a car. I continued to monitor what was going on and it became clear he was in the process of stealing from the vehicle.
“It was just natural to act and try to intervene. I called the police to inform them about what was going and jumped into my car. I followed the man and pulled up far enough away so I could keep monitoring him without being spotted.
“I updated the contact handler on what was happening and the officers were on scene very quickly to detain the man. They were so professional and I was able to confirm he was the man responsible.”
Mark served as a neighbourhood officer, within surveillance and as part of the youth offender service during his 31 years with the force before his retirement.
Mark Richardson – Mark serves as a neighbourhood police officer
He now works within another area of the civil service and said he was just pleased to help – bringing back fond memories of his time within policing.
“I don’t think you ever lose the instincts of being a police officer, it’s just natural to want to do something to help others and stop criminals,” he said.
“I really enjoyed my time at WMP and I’m proud of Tom, who followed me into policing, and my other son who works in the health service.
“I’d love to be a police officer on the beat again even now, but unfortunately I’m not sure my knees are up for it.”
A 30-year-old man from Birmingham pleaded guilty to theft from a motor vehicle, and assault of an emergency worker, and was given a suspended four-and-a-half month jail term along with being put on a curfew. If he breaches conditions he will be put behind bars.
Car criminals will look to take advantage of the darker nights and cold mornings to strike. WMP have taken action to tackle crooks and also give tips on how to avoid being a victim.
Read here: www.west-midlands.police.uk
