When 13-year-old Ben Laurie saw a thief grab two jackets and run out of a Whangarei shop he didn't hesitate to chase the fleeing criminal.
What he didn't expect was to be punched in the face by another person while pursuing the thief.
But his gutsy attempt to see justice done was rewarded last Thursday when he was recognised at the Northland Police awards ceremony.
The Kerikeri High School student was presented with a Northland Police Certificate of Appreciation from the area's top officer Superintendent Mike Rusbatch.
"Ben's quick action and tenacity demonstrate courage and willingness to get involved and make Northland safer. His actions exemplified Northland Pride - Protect, Respect, Involve, Develop and Educate," Mr Rusbatch said.
While the accolade has not enticed the sporting teenager into a career on the thin blue line he felt proud to receive the framed certificate.
"It's awesome. I might put it on my wall but it will be good to have when I'm going for a job," he said.
On November 20, last year Ben was with some friends shopping in central Whangarei after playing in a cricket match.
He was waiting in a car with three of his mates when he saw a youth going into a shop.
"He was wearing a hoody and as soon as we saw him we thought he looked dodgy. He walked around then just grabbed two jackets and ran out," Ben recalled.
He got within 10 metres of the thief still clutching the jackets when another male jumped out from behind a corner and grabbed Ben.
"He pushed me back and then he punched me in the face and kneed me."
Ben was pushed to the ground and the thief and the second man ran off.
Among the sworn police officers to be acknowledged on Thursday was former Kaeo Sergeant Dan Cleaver who was assaulted last Boxing Day.
Mr Cleaver was on his way to a callout at Matauri Bay when he came across an elderly man being assaulted. He stopped and became embroiled in the melee during which his baton fell on the ground. An offender allegedly used it to hit the officer across the head, while two others allegedly joined in. Mr Cleaver managed to handcuff the offender.
Also attending the awards ceremony at the Whangarei Police Station was New Zealand police Deputy Commissioner Viv Rickard - a former Northland police commander - who was happy to be back on familiar turf.
"Northland is a great place to police and one of the best places to live."
He said it was a privilege to be at the ceremony and acknowledged the award recipients and their families.
"It's great to be able to recognise some of the good work that has been done by Northland police."
Other police staff to be recognised at the ceremony were:
14-year service and good conduct medal: Senior Constable Daryl Curren, Onerahi; Constable Campbell Davies, Kaikohe: Constable Rowena Jones, Kaitaia; Constable Vernece Lee, Kerikeri; Detective Sergeant Shane Pilmer, Whangarei; Detective Senior Sergeant Kevin Burke, Whangarei.
14-year service: Christian Smith, Kaikohe; Claire Watts, Whangarei.
21-year service: Ngaire McLachlan, Whangarei.
District Commander's Commendation: John Campbell, Whangarei; Sergeant Dan Cleaver, Whangarei; Detective Jon Gower, Whangarei. Diploma in workplace practice: Constable Dean Wakelin.
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