Have-a-go-hero street workers tackle robber fleeing raid in Rotherham

Two have-a-go-heroes who chased down a robber and helped to bring him to justice have been rewarded for their bravery.
From l to r:- Stewart Preece, Peter Watson, councillor Lyndsay Pitchley mayor of Rotherham, Asim Munir, Anne-Marie Lubanski, Tom Bell.From l to r:- Stewart Preece, Peter Watson, councillor Lyndsay Pitchley mayor of Rotherham, Asim Munir, Anne-Marie Lubanski, Tom Bell.
From l to r:- Stewart Preece, Peter Watson, councillor Lyndsay Pitchley mayor of Rotherham, Asim Munir, Anne-Marie Lubanski, Tom Bell.

Rotherham Council drainage service workers Peter Watson and Stewart Preece were carrying out maintenance on East Bawtry Road in Whiston one quiet Sunday morning when they were called upon to deliver some street justice.

A member of the public asked them men if they were ‘public spirited’ enough to apprehend a man who he had just seen assault a staff member at the nearby Co-op and flee with a number of items.

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They gave chase to the assailant who had made off on foot with a shopping basket full of stolen goods, catching up with him shortly after being told where he’d gone. Mr Preece tailed the assailant and began walking alongside him, telling him to drop the stolen goods to which the thief replied ‘leave me alone’ and ‘stop following me’.

Meanwhile, Mr Watson had got in his vehicle and followed in their direction, eventually locating them and phoning the police for assistance. About ten minutes later, police arrived on the scene where the perpetrator was pointed out and arrested.

As a thank you for their heroics on June 12, the two men each received a ‘Good work minute’ - certificates of gratitude from South Yorkshire Police. They were presented with them by Rotherham mayor Lyndsay Pitchley before full council meeting at Rotherham Town Hall on October 19.

Coun Pitchley said: “These awards reflect the upstanding citizenship of these two men, who went above and beyond the call of duty to do the right thing by their community - they should be very proud of themselves.”