I would really like some opinions on this matter - I'm going round in circles trying to make my mind up as to what is the best thing to do.
Last night I saw a van being chased at high speed by the police down my street. I found out this morning that the van had turned into the cul-de-sac just further down the road from me, the driver (who had stolen the van) got out and the police chased him on foot.
The chap who lives down the road was out walking his dog, saw what was happening and grabbed the guy. He was knocked to the ground but still managed to rugby-tackle him. The police were then able to catch up and arrest him.
A group of teens witnessed all this, one of them being my friend's son who went home and announced "Mr B is my hero!" and then related the whole tale.
I saw Mr B this morning and asked him if he was hurt, he said he was fine. I asked him what the police had said to him. (I assumed that the police would have been ever so grateful) The police said nothing to him. they didn't ask if he was ok nor did they thank him.
Now, my instinct was to go straight to the police and forward his address to them so that they could thank him. I decided to come home and have a coffee and mull it over before I jump in feet first.
Here's what I'm mulling - the police may not wish to encourage citizens to 'have a go' but is that still an excuse to not at least talk to the citizen? The teens that witnessed this - they will no doubt chat to Mr B about it (he is a well known chap around here, the kind that will do anything for anyone) and when they find out he didn't get any thanks from the police; what impression will this give to them?
So, if I prompt a 'thank-you' from the police will this a. encourage kids to 'have a go' and possibly end up hurt or will it b. encourage them to to be good and helpful citizens (knowing that this would make the police be on their side iyswim)
What do you think? What would you do?