Nineteen people have been arrested in a fortnight by the Brighton and Hove Manhunt Team.
Sussex Police said that those arrested had been wanted for robbery, assault, theft and fraud as well as a prolific “vehicle crime offender”. Some had been wanted for many months.
The team is made up mostly of special constables volunteering their time and was set up just over a year ago.
The latest arrests were made from Monday 10 November to last Monday (24 November).
They were recognised at a divisional awards ceremony earlier this year and Sussex Police said on Thursday (27 November): “Their contribution in keeping Sussex safe continues to be outstanding.”
Among their latest successes was a woman who was wanted in relation to two court warrants and a theft whose address was not known.
The team contacted her by mobile phone, built up a rapport and persuaded her to hand herself in.
Another two people handed themselves since the start of the week after learning that the Manhunt Team was looking for them.
Even on our rest days 2 persons have handed themselves in, due to our enquiries! @Manhunt_team works every day to keep Sussex safe!
— Sus Pol Manhunt Team (@Manhunt_team) November 28, 2014
Special Constable Matt Brooks said: “Working on Manhunt is really rewarding. It’s interesting being able to support different departments and seeing how they work.
“Last week I arrested a domestic abuse suspect and was then part of a strike team that arrested a suspect for firearms and drug dealing offences.
“Much of the work is around speaking to people to build up intelligence around suspects which ultimately results in them being detained in custody.”
Chief Inspector Dave Padwick, the neighbourhood response and investigation lead for Brighton and Hove, said: “I’m delighted with this outstanding work from the Manhunt Team in protecting the people of Brighton and Hove and bringing offenders to justice.
“The fact that most of them are volunteers giving up their spare time to support the community is to be admired and celebrated.
“I’d like to thank them for their hard work and dedication. I know the rest of the force and the community of Sussex appreciate it too.”
