A COUPLE who stopped a lorry theft from Felixstowe port, two men who rescued a woman from the sea, and a man who prevented a suicide were today honoured for their public-spirited actions.

A COUPLE who stopped a lorry theft from Felixstowe port, two men who rescued a woman from the sea, and a man who prevented a suicide were today honoured for their public-spirited actions.

Details of the heroes who have helped catch criminals and prevent crime were revealed as awards were presented to 20 people in the Suffolk Coastal area who refused to stand by and do nothing.

Suffolk police crime reduction officer Sally Scott said: "Through their public-spirited actions they have played a significant role in both preventing and detecting crime and we are grateful for their assistance – one person can make a significant difference."

Among those receiving awards were a couple who spotted a lorry driving erratically along the A12 near Chorley, recognised the lorry as local and knew the normal driver would not drive at such speed.

They called police and followed the lorry. Officers arrived and took over, stopped the truck and the driver was arrested.

Inquiries revealed the lorry and its load was stolen from Felixstowe port. Two men received prison sentences.

Award winner Gary Bennett spotted a car parked down a dead-end lane with a hosepipe coming from the exhaust running into the vehicle.

The man was violent, but Mr Bennett called the emergency services and stayed with him until they arrived. The man was taken to hospital and survived his ordeal.

Jason Alexander and Wayne Turtill went into the sea in April to rescue a woman who had waded out, supported her and gently coaxed her back to the shore.

Others awarded included a couple who stopped a dinghy from being stolen from a boat yard, a woman who helped identify a youth who started a fire on Rushmere Heath, and a man who saw a telephone kiosk being broken.

Recognised for service to the community were Rex Sheppard, former chairman of Woodbridge and Felixstowe Local Action Group, Mark Moseley, owner of the Bandbox nightclub, who helped set up and chairs Felixstowe Nightsafe, Lorraine Woodgate, manager of Lixs nightclub, who has provided her premises free for the Lowbiza safe dance events for 13 to 17s, and Kelly Missen, also for her involvement in the project.

The Suffolk Coastal Crime Prevention Awards to people in Felixstowe, Woodbridge and Leiston were presented by Suffolk Chief Constable Alistair McWhirter.