A PARISH council says it is looking into the possibility of recruiting volunteer police officers after a "spate of attempted break-ins".

Kelvedon councillors are expected to make a final decision on whether or not Special Constables will be hitting the beat in the village once it has feedback from residents in the new year.

India Jayatillake, the chairman of the parish council, said recent attempted robberies and requests from residents had led to the council looking into it.

She said: "We are incredibly lucky to have low levels of crime here in Kelvedon, but following a spate of attempted break-ins and feedback from our residents we have been exploring the possibility of funding one or two special constables to work in Kelvedon.

"This issue was discussed at our parish council meeting last week, but as feedback from residents has so far been mixed we need to consult with residents further before making a final decision.

"We are inviting all residents of Kelvedon to attend our Annual Parish Assembly in early 2019 to hear more about this scheme and to give their feedback, and a decision will be made on the basis of this discussion."

It would cost the parish council up to £1,000 per year per officer if the scheme ends up getting the go ahead.

The officers would be required to be on duty for a minimum of 16 hours each month although Essex Police say many of their existing specials work for closer to 45 hours.

Meanwhile Witham, which became the first local authority in the county to fund its very own volunteer officers in June is set to get a fourth to join the three originals.

Les Hawkins, Specials Supported Policing Coordinator at Essex Police, said: "I've received positive feedback from the town council and the officers who really feel they are making a difference to their community with their high visibility and reassurance patrols.

"A fourth officer has been identified for the post but is still in very early stages of training.

"A number of councils in the Braintree and Uttlesford District have expressed an interest in the scheme with Halstead and Hatfield Peverel also signed up.

"However, as yet, neither have officers in post and they are still actively recruiting.

"I presented the scheme to Kelvedon Parish Council in October and I am now waiting for them to make their decision, which I hope will be to go ahead with the scheme."

The volunteer officers have the exact same powers as their regular colleagues and spend most of their time in particular parish or town council areas.

Anyone interested in joining should visit www.essex.police.uk/join-the-police/special-constabulary.