A Met Police officer who fought off a pick-axe wielding burglar in his boxers has been nominated for a Police Bravery Award.
PC Andrew Wienand, 30, had a pick-axe thrown at him when he confronted five burglars robbing a jewellery store beneath his home at 3.30am on May 31, 2019.
The officer was sleeping naked when he was woken by his fiancée screaming at thieves outside their home.
“She was yelling in three languages,” explains PC Wienand. “The thing that spurred me into action was that they would break into my place thinking it was an entrance into the jewellery store.”
The brave officer assessed the scene before scrambling to find some boxers and confront the five jewellery thieves.
Since PC Wienand’s father was a miner in his native South Africa, he had grown up around the tools and knew how heavy they are.
He therefore charged at the thief knowing he would be able to move faster than his opponent.
“Was it smart?” reflected PC Wienand. “Probably not, but I would do the same thing again.”
The officer’s efforts managed to scare off the masked thieves who also had sledgehammers.
Despite his actions the Met Police officer praised his fiancée Sarah Keiter, 30.
He added: “I could not have done it without her yelling in many languages and getting me to jump out of bed.”
“I am lucky to have so many strong women in my life.”
PC Wienand joined the Met Police two years ago after previously working as a butler to the German Embassy and several billionaires.
The police officer even rubbed shoulders with royalty when he served Prince Phillip. As a result the South African hopes to one day receive a reward from the Queen, perhaps for bravery.
He is currently working towards getting his British citizenship and joked that his bravery will help his application.
PC Weinand said: “To be recognised among my peers in something I hope to do for many years is great.”
“The fact I have been nominated out of the whole Met is a huge accomplishment.”
Winners will be announced at the ceremony in July 2021.
