Ottery’s neighbourhood police team has welcomed a new face to the ranks after the appointment of a new PCSO.

Jonathan Sims hit the streets for the first time this week and joins the current team of PCSO Steve Trail and PCs Claire Dye and Paul Vaughn.

The 48-year-old worked previously in the town as a special constable and says he is looking forward to getting reacquainted with the patch.

The officer said he is not a direct replacement for PCSOs Maria Clapp and Jack Stannard and will look after Ottery town as well as rural areas including West Hill, Talaton, Aylesbeare and Feniton, alongside his colleague PC Dye.

PCSO Sims, who is originally from Exeter, said: “For me personally as a PCSO, what is important is to get out there and build relationships with the community, to build trust and confidence with the public and to work very closely with our partner agencies.

“The role has changed in recent years, we are doing a little less community work and supporting more of our police officers because the demand of the work that comes through. Threat, risk and harm are our key priorities.

“It is a lovely town to work in and the area around it. I am looking forward to being here and trying to reduce antisocial behaviour.”

His career began in 1995 when he signed up as a special constable initially working in Exeter. He has also worked in the Sidmouth, Ottery and Chudleigh police teams.

In 2007 he quit to become a PCSO and moved to Cullompton station where he worked until the start of this month.

Residents will be able to spot the father-of-one walking the streets or on his pushbike.

PCSO Sims said: “You have to have a lot of local knowledge. I worked here a few years back and I am looking forward to getting that back again. There are a lot of people who will not call us but if they see me they will tell me.”

The officer has worked closely with community speed watch schemes and also received a special award after helping to catch a sex offender who was targeting lone females around the Grand Western Canal.

He said: “It’s not something you come across every day and it’s a massive buzz. You have protected your community and put the person before the court.”