Karate expert Richard Foulds was among a group of people honoured this month by the High Sheriff of West Yorkshire for bravery in helping to bring criminals to justice. But what makes a have-a-go hero? Crime reporter Joanne Earp reports.

PUTTING YOUR life on the line to tackle a knife-wielding robber or burglar is not a particularly appealing prospect.

Yet some people are prepared to risk themselves to defend their property, loved ones and even complete strangers.

Mumtaz Ahmed Khan, head of psychology at Leeds Metropolitan University, says have-a-go heroes are still quite rare.

But the publicity surrounding their exploits, and a growing trend among film and television producers to portray ordinary people with ordinary jobs as lifesavers, is changing attitudes.

Mr Khan said: "Society is changing and risk-taking behaviour, although still quite rare, is increasing.

"We often read about have-a-go heroes tackling criminals, or people who run into blazing houses to rescue children.

"That publicity generates interest in the idea that we should be playing a part in protecting our society.

"Many films nowadays tell the story of regular people in run-of-the -mill jobs who go on and save the world.

"Those images also lift members of the public and make them think they are capable of doing the same."

But there are many individual factors why people put themselves in dangerous situations.

The mentality that 'an Englishman's home is his castle' is one which applies particularly to older people. Mr Khan said: "They may have worked all their lives for their personal possessions.

"Every item in their home reminds them of their life and has sentimental value.

"From evolution we know that people defended their property on instinct. The idea that someone is going to break in and take all that away angers them.

"Shame can also play a big part in the decision to put ourselves at risk - the perceived shame of not standing up for ourselves and having to explain that fact to younger members of the family."

Some have-a-go heroes are not always aware of the danger they are about to put themselves in.

Karate expert Richard Foulds, of Bradford, received his his Sheriff's honour for leaping into action when a handbag snatcher struck in Holme Wood, Bradford. The 29-year-old had no hesitation in chasing after the robber and it wasn't until he caught him that he realised he had a knife.

Undeterred, Mr Foulds kicked him in the groin and put him in an arm- lock until supermarket security staff arrived.

He said: "I could tell what sort of a knife it was and knew he could slash me, but not stab me.

"It is the first time I have done anything like that. I don't think it would deter me from doing it again."

Mr Khan said: "Once people commit themselves to taking action, things start to happen very quickly.

"The fact you are threatened with a knife or gun halfway through the struggle often doesn't have much of an impact.

"You can't back down because your body is prepared for the fight. The adrenaline is flowing and it takes time for people to calm down."

Jonathan Towers, West Yorkshire Under Sheriff, says he is full of admiration for the have-a-go heroes his department honours each year.

"From the cases we receive it appears the number of people putting themselves at risk to help others is increasing," he said.

"We are seeing examples of incredible acts of bravery.

"It is very gratifying, the way people assist each other and the police."

With so much pressure on people to defend themselves or come to the rescue of others, the psychological effects on victims who cannot fight back or do not take the risk can be damaging. In his work as a psychologist, Mr Khan has dealt with victims of crime from across West Yorkshire.

He said: "It is often very difficult for someone to come to terms with the fact that they did not put up a fight or rush to help someone.

"We are in an age where people are able to take advantage of self-defence workshops - particularly women. It's all part of the idea that we should be defending ourselves.

"Victims who don't stand up to bullies or criminals can be left feeling guilty. This can be common for people who have been mugged."

And what about those people who stand by and watch? "When people are in a crowd, everybody is waiting for someone to make the first move," said Mr Khan.

"If someone makes a move, others tend to join in. Other people don't want to get involved because they feel it is none of their business."

The Home Office announced this week that it wants to create a network of volunteer patrols to deter criminals. These neighbourhood wardens are seen as way of reducing the fear of crime.

Bradford Central Divisional Commander Superintendent Dave Richardson says the police need the support of public-spirited people who have the courage to get involved and help make Bradford safer.

He added: "But people should not put themselves at risk. The last thing we want is to end up with more victims of crime.

"People who take a step back and note down registration numbers or descriptions can be just as valuable as those who jump in."

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