A CATFORD PCSO recommended for an award by residents after his advice helped them catch a burglar has been commended by the Met.

Guleser Cater from Catford South Safer Neighbourhoods was given the Assistant Commissioner's Commendation for outstanding tenacity, dedication to duty and professionalism.

It came after people at a block of flats in Penerley Road caught unemployed thief Godwin Wilson last September as he was about to burgle one of their properties.

In a letter to the commissioner, they wrote: "If PCSO Cater had not encouraged all the residents of Penerley to get to know each other's names and faces, to question and challenge anything or anyone we felt was suspicious and be vigilant, the burglar may never have been caught, as we would not have worked together to bring about this result."

Wilson, aged 43, of Thomas Lane, Catford, was later jailed for two years and eight months after pleading guilty to three burglaries.

South Area Commander Simon Letchford said: “This was an excellent piece of work and reflects the important role PCSO's play in preventing Londoners from becoming victims of crime. 

 

News Shopper: Special Police Constable Lisa Wharram"Through her tenacity and professionalism PCSO Cater took personal responsibility to provide advice and guidance to her local residents which led to the quick arrest of Wilson, thereby preventing him from bringing further misery to others."

Special Police Constable Lisa Wharram from Lewisham was also commended for tackling an armed suspect during a raid at a Sevenoaks jewellers.