In the autumn of 2017 a series of burglaries was committed across the island.

The offences increased in frequency and the burglar began to act in a more and more reckless fashion, exposing himself and the public to the risk of serious harm.

Excellent detective work soon identified the offender, but he proved to be elusive and did all he could to evade capture.

In October last year, Constable Peter Dyer was in a marked police car on a remote minor road, when he saw a silver coloured car in his rear view mirror.

He turned his car around to investigate. At this, the car made off at speed.

Using his excellent local knowledge and considerable driving skills, Constable Dyer followed the car.

However, despite the roads being busy as people travelled home from work and as children made their way home from school, the car was driven through Foxdale at a speed of over 100 mph.

Imminent risk

There was a real and imminent risk of a tragedy.

Constable Dyer acted calmly and professionally, reducing his own speed, but correctly predicting where the car was likely to go.

He then directed other police officers to key points.

He made his own way to a minor road, where he found the car crashed with the wanted man nearby.

Awarding a certificate of merit, Chief Constable Gary Roberts said there was little doubt that without Constable Dyer’s calm, quick thinking in a dangerous situation, the offender would have continued to evade justice, but that in doing so he would have placed other people in further danger.