July 26, 2007

Jane chalks up bravery honour

North Shore City councillors along with shop keeper Vannkheng Mao paid their special tribute to robbery-foiling parksafe officer Jane Watts with an honour guard of chalk sticks in the chamber last night.

Mayor George Wood then presented Ms Watts with a certificate for bravery and a gift voucher for her action in preventing a Takapuna fruit and vegetable store robbery.

The citation reads: 'This certificate is awarded to honour Ms Watts' bravery and to mark the city's gratitude for a selfless act which was beyond the call of duty'.

When Jane Watts saw a hooded teenager attempting to rob a shopkeeper on July 9, she fended off the teenager, who abandoned his attempt and fled with his accomplice.

On behalf of the community, Mr Wood says the council is grateful for Jane's actions.

"We're proud to mark the efforts of a staff member who has performed above and beyond the call of duty," says the former Police area commander.

In accepting her certificate Ms Watts said that she was pretty overwhelmed by the ceremony.

"I would do it again tomorrow if someone needed my help."

After the incident she reported that she never hesitated to put the shopkeeper's safety before her own.

"It was just someone who was in need of help so you help them. That's what you do; it's part of everyday life."

Despite a sore leg from the tussle Ms Watts was back at work the day following the incident.

ENDS

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