Officer receives commendation for tackling burglar while off duty

A police officer who rushed to stop a burglary at his neighbour's house while he was off-duty has been praised for his bravery.

It was about 1.15pm on Wednesday 28 February when PC Ian McCulloch heard a woman shouting his name outside his home in Hook.

PC McCulloch was concerned as the woman sounded scared and distressed, so immediately rushed to her aid.

She told him a male was burgling her home, so the officer went inside to confront him.

The male had also hit the female occupant of the house and was in possession of a screwdriver which he was using to break into a locked money box.

PC McCulloch restrained the male for about 20 minutes until other officers arrived to arrest him.

A 16-year-old male from Hook was arrested on suspicion of burglary, common assault, and possession of an offensive weapon.

Following an investigation and discussions with the victim, the male was dealt with by way of a Youth Diversion Programme.

PC McCulloch was recognised at the Chief Constable’s Awards on Friday 22 November for his actions, where he received a Chief Constable's Commendation.

PC McCulloch said: "Just because we are off duty doesn't mean we stop being police officers.

"I heard a woman screaming for help and responded as fast as I could. I like to believe most decent people would have done the same, whatever their day job was.

"I'm proud to be recognised for my actions that day and I'm just glad nobody was seriously hurt."

Chief Constable Scott Chilton said: "PC McCulloch's actions epitomise what it means to be a police officer.

"We don't switch off when we are off-duty and continue to help our communities even when we aren't wearing uniform.

"He displayed tremendous bravery by restraining the suspect before backup arrived and I want to personally applaud him for relentlessly pursuing this criminal while off duty."