West Midlands Police Chief Constable Dave Thompson has tipped young Robyn Birdsell to be a policing star of the future after hearing how she chased a burglar out of her own home.

The force’s top cop spent time with the 10-year-old at an awards ceremony where he presented her with a Chief Constable’s Young Person accolade in recognition of her bravery.

Robyn was returning from a swimming lesson with mum Rachel in June last year when she spotted the thief loading up her rucksack with valuables. 

The 31-year-old, a prolific thief with a string of convictions, made off into the rear garden clutching Robyn’s bag – but what he hadn’t counted on was the plucky youngster running after him shouting “give us our stuff back”!

He tried clambering over a garden fence at the rear of the family’s Sutton Coldfield home but Robyn grabbed his leg and pulled him backwards.

The cruel thief twisted her arm and shoved her away before escaping – but Robyn had the last laugh as her evidence and detailed description of the offender helped West Midlands Police detectives trace him and secure a jail term of almost four years. Last night the Town Junior School, Sutton Coldfield, pupil joined other brave members of the public and police officers at a special ceremony in Edgbaston. Chief Constable, Mr Thompson, said:

“What Robyn did was quite an incredible feat of bravery for one so young. Someone had broken into her home and she wasn’t going to give up her possessions lightly. It was a real pleasure to meet Robyn and to present her with the award – she’s a very worthy recipient.

"She’s a very plucky, confident young girl and I have no doubt that if she chose a future career in policing she would be a huge success!”

Next month, Robyn is set to visit West Midlands Police’s dog training centre in Balsall Common where she’ll get to meet the force’s four-legged crime fighters – and get to pick a pup from a new litter to be named in her honour. Her Mum, Rachel, added:

“The awards were brilliant. Robyn really enjoyed getting dressed up for the occasion, meeting everyone, and posing for pictures wearing the Chief Constable’s hat! Who knows, maybe she’ll have a police hat of her own in the future.”