A CALNE PCSO has been given a prestigious award for his investigation into a theft which shocked the town last year.

PCSO Mark Cook, of the Calne Community Policing Team, has been awarded the Assistant Chief Constable’s Certificate of Recognition for his initial investigative work into the theft of the bronze pig statue on Phelps Parade which commemorates the Harris pork and bacon company.

In the early hours of October 2, the bronze pig statue was stolen. PCSO Cook was made aware of the theft whilst off duty, and began work conducting several lines of inquiry, deploying the CCTV van to the town to prevent further thefts, and used social media and the press to inform the public as quickly as possible.

Three days later the pigs were found, much to the delight of Calne residents.

Assistant Chief Constable Gavin Williams, said: “The diligence, determination tenacity and commitment he displayed were excellent, thus ensuring a successful outcome for the Wiltshire public.

“This is just one example of his continuous excellent work ethic, PCSO Cook is a true professional who regularly goes above and beyond and exceeds all expectations of the role of a Police Community Support Officer whilst delivering community policing in Calne.”

PCSO Cook praised everyone involved including the Community Tasking Team, Calne Town Council CCTV and residents.

He said: “Without them, policing in Calne would be a significantly harder task.

“Upon hearing about what had happened overnight to the two pigs, I felt a real sense of a personal assault on our town, as many of the residents of Calne did.”

“Although many initial steps were taken at the start of the investigation, this was a successful outcome due to the team work of everyone involved, the local police team, our Community Tasking Team, led by PC Jo Cheshire, Calne Town Council CCTV, Calne Shout Out Facebook pages, and ultimately the residents of Calne who responded so well in sharing the news far and wide which assisted us in the safe return of our pigs.

“Finally I would like to pass my thanks to the volunteers who assist us each week in Calne CCTV. The valuable support and commitment of everyone involved within Calne CCTV continues to have a huge impact in reducing anti-social behaviour, crime and the fear of crime within the community in Calne.

“Without them, policing in Calne would be a significantly harder task.”

Calne Town Mayor Glenis Ansell, also praised PCSO Cook.

She said: “He knows the community he works for, and uses his local knowledge, which helped him with the theft of the pigs. he is always available and is such a kind natured man.He is a good egg.”