A COMMUNITY support officer from Worcester has been nominated for a superintendent’s commendation for his role in bringing two prolific robbers to justice.

As previously reported, Paul Sheward and Luke Sargent were both jailed for nine years for a series of robberies in the Warndon area.

The first robbery took place at Rodborough Close on Sunday, February 20, where an elderly couple were threatened in their home by a masked intruder brandishing a metal bar.

Police enquiries identified a further elderly victim who was threatened in her home with a hammer before her credit card and PIN number were stolen.

CSO Mark Dodkin of the Warndon local policing team made a “crucial” contribution to the investigations by suggesting Sheward as a possible subject and identifying him using a cashpoint with the stolen card.

Sheward was arrested but later released without charge.

On Tuesday, March 1, Sheward, aged 24, and Sargent forced their way into a home in Rodborough Drive, Warndon, and assaulted three people before stealing a handbag.

Both men were later arrested after being identified by the victims.

Sheward pleaded guilty to two robbery offences, Sargent admitted three robberies.

A nomination letter from Detective Sergeant Jim Bayliss states: “CSO Dodkin provided crucial assistance in respect of these crimes.

"His evidence was important in respect of the CPS decision to subsequently charge Sheward with a number of robberies.

“He conducted reassurance visits and house to house enquiries in the Warndon area.

“In conducting this work, he demonstrated his commitment to providing a high quality of service to the elderly and vulnerable who reside on his beat.

“He was willing to assist the detectives investigating these serious incidents in the true traditions of partnership and showed the value of local knowledge and community based police work.”

Inspector for Worcester Janet Heritage said: “Mark is an excellent CSO.

"I know CSOs have come in for criticism in the past but some of them really are worth their weight in gold.”

This could be CSO Dodkin’s second divisional commendation this year. In January he received one for tracking down two men responsible for thefts from Homebase in Blackpole retail park.

The latest nomination has been sent through to Superintendent Steve Cullen.