Knutsford police officer named top crime fighter in the North West

 Cheshire police officer has been named the Best Country Crime Fighter for the North West.

Knutsford NPU officer PC Mike Dawber received the honour at NFU Mutual′s annual awards ceremony, which took place at Saddlers Hall, London on Thursday, October 9.

Applauded for his outstanding contribution to crime prevention, Mike was presented with a cheque for £500, which will be put toward a rural crime initiative led by beat management at Knutsford.

Mike said: “I am proud to accept this accolade on behalf of everyone in the team who has invested so much time and effort in the fight against rural crime. It is a vocation which is both demanding and rewarding.

“Communicating effectively with people who live and work in the countryside helps us stay one step ahead of the criminals. It would be impossible for the scheme to do what it does without the support of the rural community we serve.”

Mike has helped deliver a range of crime prevention initiatives which has subsequently led to a significant reduction in farm crime in the Knutsford area, as well as devising the Knutsford Rural Watch scheme.

Activities include visiting farm premises to offer crime prevention advice as well as devising a sticker to prevent tractor theft.

Mike was also commended for his work to gather criminal evidence after reviewing hours of CCTV footage and sitting through the night in rural lanes. He helped to convict eight men who stole £2m worth of plant and agricultural machinery from the Knutsford area.

Richard Percy, Chairman of NFU Mutual, said: “As part of the fabric of country life, we have a responsibility to offer continued support to rural communities in their on-going fight against crime.

“Mike has managed to unite the community in the fight against crime, through perseverance and creativity, which has not only earned him the respect of the local community but contributed to the neighbourhood being a much safer place.”