POLICE in the Axe Valley have expressed thanks to residents who have helped them tackle crime.

POLICE in the Axe Valley have expressed thanks to residents who have helped them tackle crime.

Volunteer members of the public have acted as 'spotters' for specific police operations - and their work has led to several arrests.

Pc Kevin Bennett said recent work had led to a man being arrested for a drug related offence, a woman being dealt with for drink driving, and suspected stolen property seized and suspects identified.

The neighbourhood beat manager for Axminster added that 'spotters' also gave valuable information about potential crime.

He said: "Although a relatively new introduction to the extended police family, volunteer spotters have already proved to be very useful in assisting the police in trying to combat night time crime.

"The more spotters we can put out during a specific operation, the more likelihood the operation will be successful."

The 'spotters' are fully briefed by officers before being sent out to monitor vehicle activity in an area.

'Spotters' communicate with officers with a radio, while marked police patrol cars wait nearby to carry out stop checks if called for.

To volunteer contact Pc 6105 Bennett at Axminster police station or email him on 16105@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk