The Leicestershire Police Force website reports that the father and son duo were on their way back from delivering gifts to children in the nearby New Parks area when they spotted two males acting suspiciously.
The article, posted as a news item on 23rd December, quotes Tom (a special constable with Leicestershire Police) as saying:
“We have a duty to protect our communities at all times whether we’re in our uniform or not so when we noticed the males trying door handles, we turned the car around and followed them”
Joining the Force in 2011 as a Switchboard Operator, Tom progressed to his current role as a call taker alongside volunteering an average of 35 hours a month as a special constable; working with regular police officers on neighbourhood priorities.
Maintaining their observations from a safe distance, the pair continued to relay information to the control room to enable two great arrests for attempted burglary.
Pete, a PCSO for ten years and father to Tom, had only just finished his duties as Santa when they noticed the males acting suspiciously:
“They appeared to be planning something and we saw them looking into a number of houses and continue to try and gain entry to premises.
“It’d be a shame if someone’s Christmas had been ruined by becoming a victim of crime. Christmas is a time to spend with your families and instead of being around the tree, myself and my son will be patrolling the streets of Leicestershire”
Special constables have the same powers as regular officers and with over 200 individuals giving up their spare time, the Special Constabulary at Leicestershire Police logged over 51,500 hours last year.
A number of special constables are elsewhere employed, retired or studying but all offer their time for at least 16 hours a month.
Chief Constable, Simon Cole expressed his gratitude:
“The actions of the pair undoubtedly prevented a number of people from becoming victims of crime. It fills me with great pride to see individuals like these showing such passion and determination in their roles”
For more information, please contact Hannah.Daykin@Leicestershire.pnn.police.uk
If you are interested and would like to find out more about becoming a special constable, please visit www.leics.police.uk/join-us or contact HR Recruitment on 0300 330 1330