PRAISE has been given today to a police officer who was assaulted after collaring a burglar who fled through a cat flap.
The quick actions of the officer, his colleague and a resident were hailed as shining examples of instilling public confidence and encouraging more people to report crime.
PCSO Chris Mashford is today recovering after the chase, which left him with face and arm injuries.
A 33-year-old man was arrested in connection with a burglary at a property in the Littlefield Lane area of Grimsby. Two PCSOs were alerted when they were on foot patrol on the street shortly before 10am yesterday.
The drama began when they were stopped by a woman who saw the burglar enter a house through a cat flap.
PCSO Mashford and his colleague searched the outside of the property and saw a man exit through the cat flap and run off.
Quick-acting PCSO Mashford gave chase and caught up with the man in nearby Thorgam Court.
He was assaulted by the offender shortly before police officers arrived.
The suspect was arrested and taken to Grimsby Police Station for questioning. The PCSO sustained minor injuries to the face and elbow in the incident and was taken to hospital as a precaution.
West Marsh councillor Ian Lindley said: "The officer has to be commended. This demonstrates the value we have with our PCSOs. They are out there and not sat behind desks or in patrol cars and are coming across crimes first hand.
"It is encouraging we have PCSOs on hand as crime is happening.
"We are trying to encourage people to be vigilant. Some people feel reluctant to come forward to report crime because of possible repercussions. Sometimes people turn a blind eye. This is a culture we are trying to overcome in our community.
"The more we report the more we can start to do things about it. It is also encouraging it was a member of the public who alerted the officers. It instills confidence in the police."
Thorgam Court resident Loren Waterman, 18, said: "I heard a lot of shouting outside when the man was captured.
"But you learn not to get involved round here, so I didn't go out.
"It is rough around here. You get a lot of alcoholics hanging around. I moved from Humberston and it is horrible; I can't wait to get out."
It is not yet known if anything was stolen from the address in the Littlefield Lane area.
Humberside Police's Neighbourhood Chief Inspector Will Jenkins said: "PCSOs have come to be well recognised in local communities providing a highly visible and reassuring uniform presence as they patrol, engaging with members of the public and responding to calls and requests for assistance.
"On this occasion the officers were able to respond immediately to the information provided and implement their powers of detention in apprehending the man until such time as he could be arrested.
"This incident demonstrates the valuable and positive contribution PCSOs make to Neighbourhood Policing and the personal commitment of the two officers involved."
A Humberside Police spokeswoman added: "The quick and effective work of the PCSOs enabled the offender to be arrested and detained quickly."
Anyone who can help police with their inquiries is asked to contact Humberside Police by calling 101, quoting log 131 of yesterday.UPDATE: Burglar collared by PCSO in Grimsby is chargedFollow us on Facebook and Twitter
