Honour for PCSO after drug factory investigation
A PCSO who was part of an investigation which led to the discovery of a cannabis factory has been honoured.
Richard Thomas from Bridgend was recognised at South Wales Police’s first PCSO awards.
The force said he is one of their longest-serving Police Community Support Officers, having been amongst the first intake after the role was created by the Home Office.
Richard was recognised for his part in a police investigation which led to the discovery of a cannabis factory in Bridgend and the seizure of potentially criminal assets worth £100,000, said South Wales Police.
His work providing health workers at the Princess of Wales Hospital with crime prevention advice was also commended.
PCSO Lisa Moore was also recognised for her work in Bridgend by Deputy Chief Constable Richard Lewis at the ceremony at South Wales Police’s headquarters.
Since 2014 she has organised a very success- ful Christmas dinner for the elderly and vulnerable which has become a popular event – nearly 60 people attended in 2017.
Lisa’s work with homeless people was also highlighted on the night as her bridging work with the local authority has come to the rescue of many people, said South Wales Police.
Chief Superintendent Stuart Parfitt, said: “PCSOs have been an important member of the policing family for 14 years – through their engagement work in the community, they help to build trust often with hard-to -reach groups, who may never otherwise have contact with the police.
“PCSOs are the ones who develop relationships day to day and they rely on a wide range of attributes in order to be successful in the role be it compassion, innovation, dedication, or bravery. PCSOs display all these qualities through the work they do every day and it is important that this is recognised.”
DCC Lewis said: “We are very proud of their professionalism and the passion they have for wanting to make a positive difference to the lives of the communities they serve.”