Volunteers helping car crime crackdown honoured at police awards
Volunteers who have helped arrest 700 suspects in a police crackdown on vehicle crime have been honoured with a special award.
The Central Motorway Police Group Special Constabulary Team – made up of 34 Special Constables – are considered a vital part of Operation Cantil, targeting criminals on the roads.
Over the last year the group has helped arrest 700 suspects, with more than 500 of these being apprehended in stolen vehicles.
They also assisted in the seizure and recovery of stolen property, cash and drugs worth millions of pounds.
Their efforts were recognised at the Lord Ferrers Awards, which were held in London this week and honour outstanding contributions to volunteering in policing.
Special Sergeant Scott Collen said: “I am honoured to accept this on behalf of the team. We have put in lots of hard work and commitment, but it is nothing on what we get in return.
“Our training, our support, our experiences and the privilege of serving our communities makes it worth it."
The awards also recognised a volunteer police cadet at West Midlands Police for his efforts to highlight issues of race within his community.
Hasan Hussain, 18, from Walsall, has led presentations on Stephen Lawrence to cadets born long after the teenager’s murder in London 1993.
He has also planted a tree in his home town commemorating Stephen Lawrence’s life to help ensure his legacy is passed down to the next generation.
Stephen Lawrence was murdered in a racially motivated attack while he waited for a bus. An inquiry found that the police’s investigation into his death was affected by institutional racism.
Mr Hussain said: "“Not a lot of people realise you can start volunteering with the police at 10 years old.
“So if you’re interested in joining the force, joining the Police Cadets is a great way to start.”
Policing Minister Kit Malthouse said: “Volunteers are highly valued members of the policing family."
