KENT NEWS: The team of elite detectives that brought six men before the courts to be prosecuted for taking part in the Tonbridge robbery were today commended by Kent Police's Chief Constable Michael Fuller.
The ceremony, held at the Kent Police College in Maidstone on Friday (March 12) was attended by more than 60 police officers and members of staff who received commendations or certificates of merit.
Mr Fuller said: “When I launched this investigation I made it clear that we would go anywhere in the world to find those responsible for this violent crime.
“The officers and police staff who have worked on this investigation have done so with commitment and dedication, which has held six to account for their part in Britain's biggest cash robbery.
“This is a testimony to the hard work of my officers and staff for the thousands of hours put into the investigation and our work with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to bring those offenders to justice.
“Today's ceremony is dedicated to some of those who worked on this unprecedented investigation and I am delighted to be able to have this opportunity to recognise their hard work and dedication.”
The chief constable, who is leaving the force to take up a new post within the CPS, added: “Whilst today is a day for praise and recognition, we must take time to remember the victims from that day, some of whom continue to suffer the traumatic effects of their ordeal.
“They have shown great courage throughout the robbery, investigation and the court process. Their support undoubtedly assisted in securing the convictions of the six men.'
Chief Crown Prosecutor for Kent Roger Coe-Salazar also attended the ceremony and commended the investigation team in addition to three CPS representatives who also received certificates of merit from the chief constable.
Mr Coe-Salazar said: “I am extremely proud of the enormous professionalism and dedication of our lawyer, Paul Chamberlain and our caseworkers Bernie Reynolds and Julie Ives.
“The Securitas robbery has been CPS Kent's biggest ever case and we relied upon a huge level of sustained dedication from our staff. Throughout the case they displayed outstanding enthusiasm and excellent team work with their colleagues in Kent Police often working extensively out of hours.
“Their well deserved recognition is part of a ceremony that recognises partnership working at its best: by bringing together our respective expertise and working closely with Kent Police excellent results were achieved in this case.”
Twelve chief constable commendations have been awarded in addition to 75 certificates of merit. In addition 76 letters of thanks were also sent direct from the chief constable to a mix of officers and staff.
The 12 commendations were issued to some of the leading officers involved in the investigation from the initial investigation phase through to the court process.
Certificates of merit were issued to 56 police officers, 16 police staff and three representatives from the CPS.
Earlier this year the investigation team was also commended by the Mr Justice Penry-Davey, who presided over the three trials to date stemming from the Securitas heist, during a dedicated hearing at Maidstone Crown Court.
Mr Penry-Davey commended the speed, intelligence and thoroughness of the investigation.
Detective Chief Inspector Mick Judge, Detective Sergeant Andy Nicoll and Detective Constable Alastair Worton attended the court to accept the commendation on behalf of those who worked on the investigation, which was launched after the audacious robbery in February 2006.
A gang of heavily armed men escaped with £53 million from the Securitas depot in Tonbridge in Britain’s biggest cash robbery.
The six men convicted of taking part in the raid have been sentenced to a total of more than 150 years behind bars.
More than £21 million of the missing loot has so far been recovered by police and the convicted robbers have been served with confiscation orders under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
They have six months to pay back another £2 million or face longer prison sentences.
POSTED: 12/03/2010 17:30:57
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