OKEHAMPTON traffic warden Peter Cox has been awarded the Chief Constable's Commendation for his 'consistent good work and keen attention to detail.'

Mr Cox, who has been with the police force since 1991 stationed at Okehampton, was presented with his commendation at a special ceremony at Police Headquarters in Exeter on Tuesday.

The citation read that between December 1995 and February 1998 Mr Cox had facilitated the arrest of five people for serious criminal offences including burglary, fraud, theft of a motor vehicle and various drugs related offences. In addition he had recovered several stolen vehicles.

'Traffic Warden Cox is commended for his consistent good work and keen attention to detail,' read the citation.

Police spokeswoman WPC Sharon Newman said people forgot that traffic wardens were not just out there for looking for vehicles parked on double yellow lines.

'They can see what is going on and know areas extremely well,' she said. 'They pick out anything that is suspicious.'

Fifteen police officers along with Mr Cox, who lives at Lifton, were also honoured at the ceremony with commendations, good conduct and long service medals.

Mr Cox, who was a motor body repairer before he changed careers to 'do something that was not subject to commercial pressures' said it was a great honour to receive this award.