Team of the Year announced at the Devon & Cornwall Police Federation Recognition Awards

3 November 2025

An investigative team who worked doggedly to track down and arrest criminals who carried out an aggravated burglary has been named Team of the Year at the 2025 Devon & Cornwall Police Federation Recognition Awards.

On 17 February 2024, three men forced their way into a home in Devonport, Plymouth, where a married couple and their children, along with a friend, were watching TV. The intruders hit and kicked the two men repeatedly, demanding to know where money and keys were kept.

They pointed an imitation firearm at them and threatened to shoot them; they also brandished a knife and knuckleduster.

The men took around £12,500 in cash and a number of keys from the house before fleeing the area.

Devon and Cornwall Police officers DC Lee Sheldon, Det Sgt Paula Smith, PC Liz Jewell, Acting/Det Sgt Andrew Trott-Rodgers and three colleagues who have asked not to be named – along with police staff members including David Hurn – carried out the investigation into the incident, termed Operation Mulberry.

The first eight weeks of the investigation were challenging and involved many different departments within the police, including analysts, firearms commanders and interview advisors.

In April 2024, the team, with assistance from the Metropolitan Police, carried out armed raids at four properties. Two of the intruders and their getaway driver were arrested, and the other intruder remained at large for several months before his arrest. 

Four of the team were involved in the arrests, which DC Sheldon described as “the craziest week of our careers”; between the four of them, they only had about 24 hours sleep over four days.

He said: “We lived, breathed and experienced every policing emotion in this investigation...I’ll never forget standing in a briefing room of over 50 officers at 3am waiting to conduct high-profile arrests – there’s pressure and then there’s pressure!”

The case went to Crown Court and, in June 2025, the three men who had broken into the house were jailed for a combined total of 30 years.

As senior investigating officer, DC Sheldon showed huge professionalism and diligence as he led the team and saw this complex and extended investigation through to its conclusion.

DS Smith, deputy senior investigating officer, was the driving force behind the operation, using her wealth of experience and contacts to ensure that every possible avenue was explored. She brought determination, energy and persistence that kept the investigation moving forward.

One of the inspectors made key decisions at critical moments and provided guidance and reassurance to the team. He chaired meetings, ensuring every department had a say. He was present during the Crown Court trial and sentencing, and his support was well-received by the victims and their families.  

PC Jewell devoted endless hours to the operation and was highly valued for her knowledge, patience and willingness to go above and beyond.

A/Det Sgt Trott-Rodgers was critical in the early part of the investigation, using his expertise to submit multiple mobile phone applications at breakneck speed, leading to the identification of suspects.

David Hurn, an intelligence researcher, carried out meticulous work that helped uncover connections in the early part of the investigation.

DC Sheldon said the team were “deeply honoured” to receive the Federation Recognition Award. He said: “Every piece of evidence we examined, every hour we dedicated, every challenge we faced during a really intense Crown Court trial, was ultimately about ensuring that those affected by crime are heard, supported and protected.”

Devon & Cornwall Police Federation Chair Katie Clements said: “This investigation is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of everyone involved. Every member of the Operation Mulberry team played a vital role in bringing these dangerous criminals to justice, and achieving a fantastic outcome for the victims. We are so proud of them, well done.”

The officers will attend the 2025 Devon & Cornwall Police Federation Recognition Awards on Thursday 6 November. 

The Devon & Cornwall Police Federation Recognition Awards are in association with Axon.

Also sponsoring the Awards are Niche, Uniform Mortgages, Gallagher, Serve and Protect Credit Union, Warren & Co, The National Police Healthcare Scheme, THB Legal, Police Mortgages, Bluline Health, Pointers Financial and No1 CopperPot Credit Union.