A Waikato police officer on holiday in the United Kingdom intervened in an attempted vandalism of the Crown Jewels, stepping in before local officers arrived and helping detain two of the alleged offenders.
Senior Constable Mark Strongman, a 29-year policing veteran, was visiting the Tower of London with his family on Saturday when four protesters allegedly hurled custard and fruit crumble at the display case holding the Imperial State Crown.
Strongman, who previously served as a police negotiator, said he heard raised voices before seeing the damaged case.
Realising what had happened, he approached two female suspects, identified himself as a police officer, and informed them they were under arrest for criminal behaviour.
He removed a backpack from one of the women as a precaution and waited with them until Metropolitan Police officers arrived to take over.
He said the incident triggered a full lockdown inside the historic site.
“I just dropped straight back into work mode and felt I represented New Zealand Police well and in line with our values,” Strongman said, noting his family had been ahead of him and unaware of the unfolding situation.
The Metropolitan Police have formally thanked Strongman for his quick action, saying his intervention helped prevent further damage and allowed the Tower of London to remain open. Strongman is nearing the end of a month-long holiday in Europe and will return to his role with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Team before Christmas.
Image credit: Nick Fewings
