Meet the quick-thinking woman who is a black belt in karate and intercepted a shop robbery in Telford
A woman who intervened during an attempted robbery in Telford has been awarded for her bravery.
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Mairi Kerin received the Chief Superintendent Commendation Award at a special event at Malinsgate Police Station last month.
It comes after the 40-year-old chased a man threatening the staff at LOCO Convenience Store in Hadley Park Road on March 3, 2023, with the intent to take cash from the till out of the store.
Mairi, a black belt in karate, was buying chocolates at the store when the incident happened.
West Mercia Police said it was her “quick thinking” that led to the “wannabe thief” leaving the store empty handed and with the staff unharmed.
Mairi, who has been a karate coach for 12 years, said: “The suspect was wearing black clothing and only his eyes were visible as he calmly told the shopkeeper to give him all his money.
“He then stepped forward, fumbling with something in his left pocket, and I knew I had to react, so I did, and he ran. I am incredibly grateful that no-one was hurt.”
Mairi was presented with the bravery award by Chief Superintendent Edd Williams, Detective Chief Inspector Jo Whitehead and Detective Inspector Steve Goddard.
She added: “I am very thankful for my award, and glad I was able to assist with the investigation to help catch those responsible.
“It was a lovely morning spent with my family and friends, and we were able to meet those involved in solving the case.”
Chief Supt Williams added: “It was my pleasure to award Mairi with her bravery award. Her quick thinking meant that no one was harmed during this attempted robbery and no money or goods were stolen.
“On behalf of everyone at West Mercia Police I would like to thank Mairi for her actions, which was an inspiring act of bravery from an upstanding member of the public.”
The full statement published on West Mercia Police’s official Facebook page said: “In June 2024 three people were jailed for a combined total of 18 years for a series of robberies that were carried out across Telford in March 2023. Read more about the sentencing here.
“During the investigation officers identified that the incident involving Mairi was part of that spree.”
