You won’t get away from this lad

A 14-year-old school boy from Weymouth has been awarded a Divisional Commander’s Commendation for helping police catch burglars in the act.

On 15 July 2008, Chris Phillips of Kitchener Road, Weymouth looked out of his bedroom window after he heard an unfamiliar sound and spotted a man acting suspiciously in the grounds of the house opposite.

He continued to watch the man for several minutes while the burglar walked in and around the property to test if anyone was home.

This man then changed places with another man who also went through a similar ‘casing’ exercise before actually breaking into the conservatory.

At this point, Chris alerted his mum who phoned 999 and spoke to the police.

During the next few minutes, the pair continued to give the police a running commentary of what they could see, until officers arrived on the scene.

Chris even went outside to discreetly obtain the registration number of the car that the burglars were using, which was parked further down the road.

Chris Phillips said: “I was meant to be tidying my room when I was distracted by the noise outside. I had no idea that I was going to end up watching burglars in the act. However I just kept watching what they were doing and relayed the information to the police.

“My neighbours are really nice and I didn’t want anything bad to happen to them.”
Two men in their thirties were arrested at the scene.

Sergeant Tony Smith was one of several officers who attended the crime.  He said: “Without doubt, if it hadn’t been for the actions of Chris, the occupants would have lost a large quantity of property and the culprits could have got away.

“Chris’ actions were very public spirited and showed all that is good about our young people, at a time when many are being branded yobs and given a bad name.”

Chief Superintendent Gary Smith of Dorset County Division presented 14-year-old Chris Phillips with the Divisional Commander’s Commendation, to acknowledge his actions. The commendation is normally given to police officers who have gone over and above the call of duty.

Chief Superintendent Gary Smith said: “I am extremely grateful to Chris for his brave actions therefore he really deserves this recognition.

“There’s no reason why I shouldn’t reserve a place for Chris on our surveillance team when he’s older.”