SPECIAL constables tackled anti-social behaviour and rural burglary as they went out on patrol during a weekend designed to showcase their valuable work.

The specials based at Droitwich were out on patrol on Saturday (April 5) with officers from Droitwich Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT), targeting both ant-social behaviour hotspots and rural crime.

West Mercia Police were promoting the work of the Special Constabulary as part of "National Specials Weekend".

Special Constables are volunteers who commit to a number of hours each month to support regular police officers, including in Worcestershire and Herefordshire. They support regular officers in a range of duties including patrols, investigating crimes, dealing with offenders, engaging with the community and proactive operations to prevent and detect crime.

Assistant chief constable Gareth Morgan said: “Our Special Constabulary plays an integral role in local policing and keeping the public safe.

"These are citizens who volunteer their time, over and above their jobs and other commitments, to go that extra mile to police our streets and ensure our communities are a safe place to live, visit and work.

"We are delighted to be involved in Specials Weekend and to highlight the valuable contribution the Special Constabulary makes.”

Special Constables volunteer for a minimum of 16 hours per month and undergo thorough training. Once trained, Special Constables wear the same uniform as regular police officers and have the same powers of arrest. Anyone who is a UK Citizen, member of the EEC or Commonwealth between the ages of 18 and 60 can apply.

Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police Special Constabulary currently has 598 Officers and aims to increase that number to 795 across both forces by April 2016.

To find out more about the role of the Special Constabulary or to become one for Warwickshire Police or West Mercia Police visit specialswanted.co.uk