Broxbourne resident is named citizen of the year in police awards

A resident who made it his mission to knock on every door across Broxbourne to sign people up to OWL has been voted Citizen of the Year in this year’s Chief Constables awards.

A resident who made it his mission to knock on every door across Broxbourne to sign people up to OWL has been voted Citizen of the Year in this year’s Chief Constables awards.

Stewart Sykes, who is the voluntary Neighbourhood Watch District Co-ordinator in Broxbourne, scooped up the prestigious award after literally pounding the streets encouraging residents to sign up to the Online Watch Link (OWL) (opens in a new window) to help reduce crime across the district.

Residents signed up to OWL simply need to act on local, relevant messages they receive, usually via email, which includes crime prevention messages and scams. A new OWL app is also available to download.

Chief Inspector Pete Frost, who leads on Community Safety for the county said, “I’m delighted that Stewart has been recognised for this fantastic achievement. It is no coincidence that crime and anti-social behaviour is reduced when people follow crime prevention advice and are made aware of incidents, including burglaries, in their local area. We are reliant on the public in reporting suspicious incidents to us – they are our eyes and ears – and can help us catch criminals in the act. Congratulations to Stewart for all his hard work in making Broxbourne a safer place to live.”

In his citation, Stewart was nominated for his ‘tenacity, dedication and hard work’ with his ‘burning ambition that Broxbourne is leading the way in OWL sign-ups – with more people having access to OWL than anywhere else in the county.’ Stewart feels that taking pride and ownership in the place we live helps to create and stronger and safer community.”

Since starting with the force in 2015, Stewart has increased OWL coverage in Broxbourne from three per cent to over 60 per cent, making it the best in the county.

Police Watch Liaison Officer Terry Morris said, “His achievement is all the more deserving as Stewart has plugged away despite some significant health challenges which have required operations, recuperation time and limited his ability to walk. His generosity of spirit and dedication is inspiring to all who know him.”

Chief Constable Charlie Hall told award finalists and their families that although it had been a difficult time nationally for policing it was quite right that the constabulary came together to showcase and congratulate those who represent all that is great about policing and public service.

“During the past two years most of the country stayed home to help slow the pandemic, but our force and our colleagues in the emergency services, went out, facing the COVID risk as they carried out their duties. Hertfordshire Constabulary is made up of remarkable people with good values, committed to their jobs, to saving lives, preventing harm, tackling crime and keeping the peace.”

*Download the new OWL app to keep up to date with police news on the go. No registration is needed. To get the app, search the App Store (opens in a new window) or Google Play for ‘OWL crime alerts’ (opens in a new window) 

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report information online (opens in a new window).