Wolverhampton care home resident gets arrested in playful surprise

A resident at a care home in Wolverhampton has had her lifelong wish fulfilled in the most unexpected way – with a surprise visit from local police officers. 

Patricia Brooks, a resident at Care UK’s Foxland Grange on Wergs Road, was given a thrill when the team arranged for her to be “arrested”.

The former greengrocer had always lived a quiet life in her cottage, surrounded by a few animals: two goats named Geraldine and Josephine, along with chickens and dogs. 

Known for her lively sense of humour, the 86-year-old had often joked about what it would be like to sit in a police car – something she had never experienced before.

After hearing about her wish, the team enlisted the help of Tettenhall Police. On the morning of Patricia’s big day, a group of officers from the Tettenhall Neighbourhood Team arrived at Foxland Grange in a restored 1996 West Midlands Police Range Rover to playfully “arrest” Patricia. 

Patricia gleefully put her hands together and smiled for the cameras as PCSO Helen Denyer performed the playful arrest with the theatrics of a seasoned law enforcement officer, before letting her sit in the car. Officers then discussed the various features of the vehicle used for real arrests, much to Patricia’s fascination.

Patricia said: “You get to an age where you need a bit of drama in your life. I’ve never been arrested or sat in a police car, so the thrill of having the police come outside the care home gave me great joy.”

Following her brief “arrest”, Patricia and fellow Foxland Grange residents had the opportunity to say hello to trained police dog, seven-month-old PD Obe. Residents and staff alike were delighted to see how much he had grown and developed since his first visit earlier this summer.

Patricia added: “It was fantastic seeing the police dog. I love animals, and hearing and seeing how they trained the dog was brilliant. Thank you to the police force for making my wish come true.”

Jazz Lalli, Customer Relations Manager at Foxland Grange, said: “We were thrilled to create such a memorable morning for Patricia by making her wish to be arrested come true!

“When we learned of Patricia's wish, we were delighted to help make it happen. Care UK’s Wishing Tree initiative is a wonderful way for residents to share their passions, no matter how big or small, and it’s hugely rewarding to be able to make these wishes a reality – even if it means a run-in with the local police!

“I’d like to thank Tettenhall Police for being wonderful sports and helping to fulfil Patricia’s hilarious fantasy!”

Foxland Grange provides full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care, in a luxury environment. The home incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies, including its own café, hair and beauty salon and gardens. The building has been configured into a series of neighbourhoods to facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.