THAME’s traffic warden and a local newsagent have received special awards following their involvement in a robbery at the shop in February.
Annette Lazaruk, who manages The Chocolate Box newsagents in Thame, grappled with a knife-wealding robber in an attempt to stop him grabbing the shop’s takings, and chased him out of the shop.
Whilst cycling home from work, Traffic Warden, Peggy Long became involved after she noticed a car parked at the entrance of the Thame Cattlemarket, acting suspiciously and memorised the registration number. Then she noticed a man with a scarf over his face running along the road towards the car.
Seeing Annette on her mobile phone waving her down, Peggy stopped and after learning what had happened, phoned the police with the registration number. They were then able to apprehended 33 year-old James Scott, who received a three year sentence for the offence in April.
This is not the first time Peggy Long as been recognised for her contribution to fighting crime in Thame. In 1992, she was commended by the then Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police for her part in the arrest of criminals in the town. In 2000, she received a Shrivelty award for “bringing great credit” to Thames Valley Police.
But the pinnacle for Peggy was her trip to Buckingham Palace in 2003 to receive an MBE for “outstanding service to the community as a traffic warden.”
Peggy and Annette were presented with their Commendations at a special dinner and award ceremony at Police Headquarters, Kidlington, last Thursday.
Photo: Annette Lazaruk receives her award from Chief Superintendant O’Dowda. Inset, Peggy Long MBE
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