A Keighley traffic officer who followed a suspected stolen car and caravan on his way home from a night shift was commended this week.

PC Phil Jackson was driving home at 6.15am on Saturday, March 20, when he spotted an old-looking Ford towing an apparently new caravan. Thinking it odd, he followed the car and alerted the police using his mobile phone.

"I eventually came through Ilkley and onto Blubberhouses Moor where I lost reception on the mobile phone," says PC Jackson. "Another car turned up then and at that point I thought I had bitten off more than I could chew. I thought to myself, what on earth am I doing up here on my own when I should be at home in bed?"

North Yorkshire Police quickly arrived and after a short chase on foot, a man was arrested and charged with theft of the car and caravan. He was also wanted on warrant for offences in County Durham.

Head of Keighley Road Traffic Sgt Richard Czornowol says: "His actions were beyond the call of duty and could have placed him in danger."

Keighley Divisional Commander Supt Derek Bonnard says: "I am delighted to be able to publicly commend PC Jackson's actions, which reflect the enormous professionalism and dedication to duty that so many police officers display on a day-to-day basis."

PC Jackson, 40, who was nominated for the award by his colleague PC Jim Brooksbank, joined West Yorkshire Police in 1987. He lives in the Keighley area with his wife and three children. "I am very pleased that my actions have been recognised," he says. "It is also pleasing that a fellow officer has put me forward for the award."

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