Rotherham volunteers recognised for their ‘special’ contribution

A TEAM of special constables in Rotherham have been thanked by the district’s commander after they discovered a cannabis farm and arrested a suspect while carrying out routine enquiries into another matter.
By Chloe West
Published 20th Nov 2020, 11:25 BST
Updated 20th Nov 2020, 11:51 BST
Pictured are: T/SPS Drury, SC McLouglin, SC Miller and SC Smith. SC Pepper (not pictured) has also been commended.Pictured are: T/SPS Drury, SC McLouglin, SC Miller and SC Smith. SC Pepper (not pictured) has also been commended.
Pictured are: T/SPS Drury, SC McLouglin, SC Miller and SC Smith. SC Pepper (not pictured) has also been commended.

Chief Supt Steve Chapman commended the volunteers for displaying “exceptional professional curiosity”.

The team had attended an address in the Thrybergh area on October 25 to conduct routine enquiries in to the whereabouts of a wanted man.

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While approaching the property in Garbroads Crescent, a man climbed out of the first floor window and fled. Following a short pursuit, he was apprehended by the officers.

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    Mr Chapman said: "As it turned out, this wasn’t the man the officers were originally looking for. The team had to display professional curiosity to quickly investigate why the man had chosen to attempt such a daring escape.”

    The officers noticed an electricity box had been tampered with, and sought authority for a search of the premises – which led to the discovery of a cannabis cultivation spanning the entire detached house.

    Mr Chapman added: “All these officers come and work for South Yorkshire Police voluntarily, alongside their own jobs. They dedicate their free time to protecting the public of South Yorkshire, and preventing criminals from doing us harm.

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    “This is an excellent piece of work to apprehend, identify offences, negotiate a search authority and dismantle a whole house full of cannabis plants, which otherwise would have made it on to the streets of Rotherham and South Yorkshire.

    “Very often, the proceeds from this kind of set-up go to organised criminals and gangs who have links to serious and violent crime. Fast-thinking action like this can result in a serious blow to this type of criminality.

    “Thank you all – a job very well done!”

    A 26-year-old Rotherham man remains under investigation in connection with this incident. He was arrested on suspicion of abstracting electricity and producing a class B drug.