Brave Hornchurch PCSO tackles shoplifter armed with a weapon on her own.

PCSO Gilham is well known and much respected across Hornchurch Town Centre.

On Wednesday 13 March, PCSO Gilham was out alone on foot patrol in Hornchurch Town Centre, when she was alerted that a man and woman had been involved in shoplifting. 

 Despite being on her own, PCSO Gilham attempted to detain the two suspects. The man managed to flee down an alleyway, but the officer held on to the woman, at the same time calling for police assistance. 

 PCSO’s do not have the training or the protective clothing and equipment that police officers have, and her bravery and fast actions detained a 51-year-old woman who was later charged with theft and points and blades.

PCSO Gilham is a well known and much respected officers across St Andrew’s Ward and Hornchurch Town Centre. She knows her residents and they know her as she is always out and about engaging with her community. She is an outstanding community support officer who does an invaluable role in our community, knowing residents by name and what help and support they need.

Well done to her for her fast action and bravery detaining a thief who was clearly equipped a dangerous weapon.

 Inspector Mark Connolly of Havering Neighbourhoods policing said: “These were brave actions taken by a PCSO who managed to hold on to a woman until police arrived not knowing that the suspect was in possession of a knife. PCSO Gilham’s actions shine a light on the dedication of our Neighbourhood team to reduce crime in our Town Centre.”

if you see PCSO Gilham out and about today, let’s give her a word of thanks for outstanding work!

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