Commendations for Merthyr and Rhondda Cynon Taff Police

Police officers and staff in Merthyr and Rhondda Cynon Taff were officially recognised at a special event held recently.

Officers were commended for exceptional courage, professionalism, and dedication when confronted with a number of situations, dealing with incidents whether on or off duty and for resolving and detecting crime.

It was not just police who were recognised for their efforts at the event - there were also commendations for members of the public.

Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent Sue Hayes said:

“These awards are an opportunity to thank officers, staff and members of the public who have shown exceptional performance and incredible dedication in protecting the community, and ensuring that Merthyr and Rhondda Cynon Taff remains a safe place to live, work and visit.

“The recognition event gave us all an opportunity to recognise exceptionally high standards of work that I can reassure the public continues to be done on a daily basis.”

Among those who received commendations were:

• Taff CID detectives for Operation Flyer which targeted street level drug dealers in the Treforest area. The operation culminated with the search of three properties in Pontypridd during which £20,000 worth of heroin, £2,500 of crack cocaine, and £50,000 cash was recovered. Three people were arrested and charged with supply offences.
• Pc Rhodri Wilson for bravery and professionalism in entering a smoke-filled premises in Pontypridd, removing the sleeping occupant and then extinguishing the fire. The prompt and brave actions of Pc Wilson prevented serious injury to the occupant and also minimised the damage caused to the property.
• Pc Gregory Methven for courage and bravery while negotiating with a man armed with a machete in Treherbert.
• Dennis Young, senior licensing officer with Rhondda Cynon Taff, for prompt actions and attention to details that resulted in the arrest of two men for the theft of a vehicle in Gilfach Goch.
• DC Emma Banks for arresting a shoplifter at Tesco, Upper Boar, while off-duty.
• Pc Joy Nicholls for outstanding professionalism and commitment to service delivery within the wards of Beddau and Tynant following a serious assault of a 60-year-old woman and her husband. Two men have been convicted and sentenced in relation to the incident.
• Pc Mike Perry for planning and organising skills in developing the retail crime operations during festive periods in Talbot Green Retail Park. As a result of his work, retail related crime was reduced by 40 per cent over this period. Pc Perry witnessed 55 interventions which prevented thefts from occurring.
• There were also eight commendations for dog handlers whose work led to the arrests of burglars, drug dealing and recovery of a firearm.

Chief Supt Hayes added: “Crime is continuing to fall across Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taff.
"However, we cannot become complacent. I can reassure the public that we will keep up the high standards that have been set and continue the good work that is being carried out by officers along with our partners to keep our communities safe.”