A FORMER Solihull Mayor and Mayoress along with their neighbour have been given bravery awards after attempting to stop a car from being stolen.
Councillor Joe Tildesley, his wife Joan and neighbour Phoebe Hammond were presented with the gongs at the Outstanding Citizens Awards, organised by David Jamieson, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, after the trio made courageous efforts to stop Phoebe’s car from being stolen on November 5.
Three balaclava-wearing men broke into Phoebe’s Welcombe Grove home in Solihull at around 4.30pm and assaulted her before stealing the keys to her Audi.
Two of the offenders then left the scene while the third got in the Audi but was unable to drive off with it.
After hearing Phoebe shouting, Joan – a retired police Sargent – rushed outside to help her try to stop the vehicle.
Joe said: “Joan approached the driver’s door and attempted to open it.
“By this time Phoebe, still screaming and shouting at the top of her voice, had managed to open the rear offside passenger door.
“I had also left our house to see what on earth was going on.
“I barely had enough time to shout to Joan to ‘be careful’ and almost immediately the offender then was able to engage drive.”
As the offender drove off, he hit Joe who as a result suffered five fractured ribs, a fractured toe, damaged right knee and whiplash.
Speaking of the award, Joe, a retired police inspector, said: “What was so great about the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Award was that David Jamieson went out of his way to acknowledge the courage and tenacity of both Joan and Phoebe.
“Real bravery involves understanding the danger you have placed yourself in and then still being prepared to do something about it.
“Phoebe and Joan showed that in abundance and I am sure the whole of Solihull will be very proud of their actions.
“They are a credit to themselves and the town.”
PCC Jamieson, said: “The courage shown by Phoebe, Joe and Joan to intervene in this incident shows an incredible sense of community.
“I am very proud to see that even after retiring, Joe and Joan are still dedicated to protecting the residents of the West Midlands.”
