Bravery award for off-duty PC who went “above and beyond”

A SOUTH Yorkshire Police officer who chased a thief armed with a screwdriver has picked up a bravery award – on crutches.

PC Steve Howe, who suffered a broken leg in an unrelated incident, was said to have gone “above and beyond” what was expected of him “on many occasions”.

PC Howe was off-duty in Barnsley when he chased a man he suspected had broken into a car and stolen a handbag.

He chased the suspect through gardens and alleyways, while calling 999 to alert his colleagues who were on duty, until the man stopped and pulled a screwdriver out of his sleeve, threatening the officer.

He was luckily not harmed and managed to pursue the suspect and finally make the arrest.

PC Howe, who has served more than 30 years as a police officer, was honoured with a Bravery Award at the annual Barnsley district police awards.

He was on crutches after being pushed over when he stepped into a dispute between a bus driver and a man who had spat at and threatened him.

Chief Superintendent Tim Innes, who presented 13 awards in total, told PC Howe: “Your colleagues report that you have gone above and beyond what is expected of you on many occasions and this award is in recognition of a particular incident in Barnsley town centre.”

He added: “I have no hesitation in awarding you this trophy in recognition of your courageous actions. You acted in the best traditions of the police service and are a credit to South Yorkshire Police.”

PC Howe was born in Huddersfield and grew up in Linthwaite before joining South Yorkshire Police.

Chief Constable David Crompton, Police and Crime Commissioner Dr Alan Billings and Mayor of Barnsley Brian Mathers also attended the event.

Ch Supt Innes described the “can-do attitude” of the award winners during their day-to-day work in Barnsley as “incredible”.