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SPECIAL Constables played a part in searching for a missing 11-year-old Honiton boy.

He was located more than 17 hours after going missing, found by a search and rescue helicopter crew on a cliff near Sidmouth.

The Special Constables were out in force, raising the profile of the Special Constabulary and tackling the issues that matter to their local communities.

The Specials are a force of trained volunteers who provide a valuable link between the police and local people.

With the same powers as regular police officers, they work in their free time on a variety of police duties and every year National Specials Weekend highlights the value of this work.

During a promotion weekend in Devon, Specials completed approximately 1,450 hours of duty.

Inspector Jo Sword said: “The weekend was a great success.

“High visibility foot patrols were supported bySpecial Constabulary officers in plain clothes, enabling both detection and prevention.

“Where vehicles had property on display, inquiries were made to identify the owners - so that they could take positive steps to avoid becoming a victim of crime.”

Neighbourhood Sergeant Paul Laity said: “It was great to see the Specials advising members of the public on simple crime prevention such as property marking.”

In East Devon and Exmouth, a total of 800 hours were performed over the weekend - with a number of arrests made for assault, public order offences and other crimes.

Find out more about becoming a Special by calling 08452 777444.