South Ribble sergeant hailed hero after halting gang of four break-in

Higher Walton Convenience Store Pic: Google Maps

A South Ribble Sergeant has been hailed a hero after putting a halt to a post office burglary.

In the early hours of Tuesday 20 September, the South Ribble Police team received a report of intruders breaking into the post office at Higher Walton.

A spokesperson for South Ribble Police said the four intruders were not successful in their mission as Sergeant Rick Kershaw, arrived to the scene: “Unfortunately for them, the experienced and ever diligent Sergeant Rick Kershaw was on duty and was only round the corner from the location looking for a Fiat Punto that had earlier made off from the Police.

“Kershaw swiftly made to the post office and on his own and without hesitation he entered the premises only to be greeted by four intruders.

“They had searched the premises and were moments away from escaping in possession of over £1000 worth of stock.

“On his own faced with four intruders Sgt Kershaw used Robust commands to gain control of one males, whilst remaining a one man barricade at the exit point to prevent the three remaining males from escaping.

“After what felt like an eternity Sgt Kershaw was joined by PC Nicol and PC Habijanec who assisted in detaining the other three males.

“To add salt to the wounds the males had travelled to the location in the Fiat Punto which had earlier made off from the Police so this was subsequently seized.

“Only two months ago Sgt Kershaw and his team would have started their shifts at Chorley Police station covering the South Ribble area.

“This incident alone highlights the benefit of the reopening of Leyland Police Station.

“As a result of this incident Two adult males have received 28 and 26 week prison sentences respectively, One other adult male awaits sentencing and a juvenile male is on court bail awaiting sentencing.

“Well done to Sgt Kershaw and his team.”

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