PCSO Powe a wow in Sidmouth

SIDMOUTH S rural Police Community Support Officer Alex Powe has received an award for his commitment to developing Community Watch.

SIDMOUTH'S rural Police Community Support Officer Alex Powe has received an award for his commitment to developing Community Watch.

He collected his certificate from Devon and Cornwall Constabulary's assistant chief constable Paul Netherton this week and said: "I feel fantastic, I am very honoured to receive the award."

The citation is "for outstanding commitment and support to the development of Community Watch, improvement in quality of community life, reduced fear of crime and increased public reassurance."

Alex, whose patch includes Sidbury and Newton Poppleford, said: "It is not just me who puts the hard work in.

"Sandra Calvert helped me on Neighbourhood Watch work for the force and helped with ordering signs and legislation to help rural communities to contact each other and the police about local issues.

"It is difficult when problems arise because of the rural location."

Sir John Cave from Sidbury Manor has helped Alex as countryside watch co-ordinator.

Alex said: "I wouldn't have done so well without the help of the neighbourhood team, PC Dave Wallace, neighbourhood beat manager for Sidmouth Rural and Sergeant Andy Turner.

"They have been very helpful and supportive during the three years I have been here."

Sgt Turner said: "PCSO Alex Powe is an incredible asset to the rural neighbourhood team.

"He joined us at Sidmouth Police Station three years ago and during that time he has been very productive."

He said an example was the setting up of Community Watch after several residents were victims of crime on the same evening.

"Though Alex's leadership this group now work together to make rural Sidmouth an uncomfortable place for criminals."

He said important intelligence had been passed to police as a result of the system.