Sutton’s top cop praised the quick-thinking and investigative skills of his officers at a commendation ceremony.

Borough commander Chief Superintendent Guy Ferguson described their innovative actions as “humbling” at the annual event, and said he was “tremendously proud” of what they had achieved.

Sutton’s crime squad were among those commended at the event, after they put a “prolific” cross-border burglary team away.

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Chambers said their actions led to the arrest of five men for burglaries across Sutton and Merton, and the recovery of two stolen cars, computer equipment and jewellery worth more than £15,000.

Five were eventually charged with burglary offences, handling stolen goods, fraud, assault on police officers and possession of drugs.

They were all convicted and sentenced to between one and three years in custody.

Sutton’s safer parks team were also commended for the way they brought a number of offenders to justice.

Superintendent Chas Bailey said their actions led to the arrest of four people for drug offences when the police raided a flat in Sutton south – an operation that police believe shut down a significant drug dealing house.

Officers from Sutton’s safer transport team were among those praised for their proactive approach to working with bus passengers and bringing offenders to justice.

At the ceremony, Chief Inspector Mark Hill said members of the team were particularly adept at identifying suspects from CCTV images, which had led to various arrests.

CASE STUDY:

A fishmonger who helped pull a ferocious pit bull from a charity worker as it savaged her arm was one of the five men rewarded for their “outstanding actions”.

Jason Wyeth, 39, from Sutton, had just collected his daughter from school when he saw a dog tearing into Maureen Obukohwo in May last year.

Mr Wyeth ran to help and began kicking the dog. He was joined by Geoff Primmer while Terry Gaunt, Joseph Barnes and Shane Parker gave first aid and helped keep the dog at bay.

Mr Wyeth said: “I just did it automatically.”

Aster Troubridge, 19, of Benhill Avenue, Sutton, appeared at Croydon Crown Court in January, charged under the Dangerous Dogs Act and was ordered to carry out 100 hours of community service.

CASE STUDY:

A police officer and a PCSO who caught two men in an armed robbery at Coral’s bookmakers in Banstead Road, Sutton, were praised for their “outstanding professionalism”.

PC Jocky Boyle and PCSO Renato Romero were on patrol in the Wallington area on Friday, September 4, when PC Boyle recognised two men in a car. The vehicle was searched and more than £1,000 was found.

Chief Inspector Operations Mark Hill said: “PC Boyle displayed a good knowledge of local criminals and conducted a comprehensive investigation in a stressful situation.”

Tom Berge, 28, of Maldon Road, Wallington and Joseph Gokmen, 21, of Winchcombe Road, Carshalton, were charged with robbery and possession of an offensive weapon on August 26.

Both pleaded guilty to armed robbery and are to be sentenced on March 19.