Awards recognise Wakefield police and community heroes

A team that unravelled a complex £4m fraud and a community hero who shielded a frail 76-year-old man from aggressive street drinkers have been commended in the Wakefield Policing Awards.

Specialist officers at Wakefield’s Proceeds of Crime Team received praise for their investigation into former solicitor Linda Box who stole more than £4m from clients, including those who were recently bereaved.

The team secured a £1.9m confiscation from Box, who is currently serving a seven year prison sentence.

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Meanwhile, 21-year-old Brett Barlow was awarded after stopping to help an elderly man, who was being abused by street drinkers on Sun Lane last November.

The good Samaritan was himself threatened with violence but he shielded the man and pushed back one of the street drinkers until police arrived. 

Chief Superintendent Mabs Hussain, District Commander of Wakefield Police, said: “Once again this year we have seen officers and residents go above and beyond in our district in doing their part to help protect those most in need and catch those who threaten our communities.

“At a time when staff are under significant pressure due to increased demand, it is heartening to see colleagues are doing everything asked of them and often going much further to keep our communities safe.

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“Some of these awards have also been given for the care officers have shown to highly vulnerable victims.

“And it is very pleasing for me to see the compassion and dedication colleagues continue to give to those who need it most.”

Other officers to be commended in the ceremony included a team who worked to catch a high value car theft gang and long-serving PCSO Ken Short, who was named the people of Wakefield’s top officer following a vote for the ‘public choice’ category.

PCSO Short also achieved a second commendation for his bravery in helping to tag a quad bike rider with a DNA spray in South Elmsall, leading to a conviction in court.

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