A member of the public who detained a masked burglar in Warwickshire has been honoured at the annual Police Public Bravery Awards.

Sam Carr was one of the gold medal winners recognised at the prestigious National Police Chiefs' Council's annual awards, which took place at the Cutlers' Hall in Sheffield on 23 October.

Chief Constable Alex Franklin-Smith attended the ceremony on behalf of Warwickshire Police.

The awards honour selfless members of the public who have placed themselves in dangerous situations, protected others, defended communities, prevented crime or actively assisted police.

Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police Lauren Poultney, who hosted the awards ceremony as honorary secretary, said: "Sam's bravery prevented the loss of sentimental items and led to the conviction of the offender.

"His actions that day exemplify why we host these awards every year.

"Members of the public supporting police and strangers in need, rather than walking away, display remarkable compassion and selflessness.

"They choose to help without the training, safety equipment and support our police officers have access to when protecting the public from harm.

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"This courage needs to be recognised and it is my honour to do so through the Police Public Bravery Awards."

Carr was made aware that his neighbour's house was being broken into on the evening of 2 January 2025.

He immediately attended the address on Stratford Road, Warwick, in the dark to investigate, finding a rear window smashed.

Carr then called the police and as he was doing so, confronted a masked man who ran out of the front door carrying his neighbour's belongings.

He detained the burglar, and despite being punched and kicked repeatedly, managed to keep hold of him until police arrived to carry out an arrest.

The burglar was found to have taken jewellery, passports, alcohol, money and a block of butter. Two items of jewellery had significant sentimental value as they belonged to the victim's late mother.  

Anderson was also carrying burglary equipment including screwdrivers, which could have been used to cause further harm to Carr.

Without Carr's swift and brave actions it is very unlikely that he would have been caught.

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At court, he was jailed for 36 months.

Chief Constable Alex Franklin-Smith added: "On the night of the burglary, Sam Carr selflessly put himself in a dangerous situation in order to protect his neighbour's property, and he is truly deserving of this award.

"It's been a real honour to attend tonight's event and hear the remarkable stories of courage displayed by members of the public.

"While we don't encourage people to take unnecessary risks, it's always important to recognise those who perform extraordinary acts."