In January, when a Melkbosstrand homeowner alerted police to a burglary in process, not only were the police and neighbourhood watch there within minutes but three officers persisted in their search and hunted down a fourth suspect after several hours and found him hiding in a bin. Melkbosstrand police recognised their efforts last week and awarded certificates for excellent service to constables Gaynor Brandt, Mpho Molotsi and Esau Pietersen. Gordon Cudmore, deputy chairman of the Melkbosstrand Community Police Forum, said: “This shift did not give up and they really went the extra mile”. Annaleen van Coller, a member of the Melkbosstrand Neighbourhood Watch also received a certificate for raising money to upgrade the police station.