Former PCSO gives up life on the beat to open shop (From Wiltshire Times)

Former PCSO gives up life on the beat to open shop

8:20am Monday 28th September 2009 in News By Craig Evry

A former police community support officer has given up dealing with anti-social behaviour and parking disputes after a trip to India inspired her to open a shop.

Caroline Dymond, 32, was a PCSO in Warminster for three-and-a-half years, but following a trip to India, decided to swap life on the beat for self-employment.

Mrs Dymond, of Bradley Road, Trowbridge, opened Pilgrims in St Georges Works last Wednesday, selling ethnic clothes, handicrafts and trinkets imported from India, Nepal and Indonesia.

Talking about her change of career, Mrs Dymond, who owned a shop in Southampton before moving to Wiltshire and joining the police, said: “I did really enjoy my time as a PCSO.

“In Warminster there were lots of problems with anti social behaviour, especially youths drinking in the park and surrounding areas. The job was an eye opener.

“We would go into schools to talk about the effects of bullying and drugs.

“Some people still see the role as a hobby bobby but there is a lot of work that goes into it - people don’t realise.

“Some people are down on the police, and it’s a shame.”

Mrs Dymond, who married James, 33, two-and-half-years ago in Cyprus, left the force in April and during the summer toured festivals across the south west selling her wares.

During a recent visit to India in March, Mrs Dymond made contacts with many of her suppliers, including an elderly woman from Goa, who supplies the shop with bed throws.

“We’re not talking about big businesses, it’s often one person who’s trying to survive,” she said.

“It’s about helping to put food on people’s plates.

*Mrs Dymond is aiming to run the Bath Half Marathon in March to raise money for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

Her fundraising efforts will be in memory of former colleague, Westbury PC Mike Johnson, who died after suffering a heart attack while at work on August 3.

To sponsor Mrs Dymond visit www.justgiving.com/caroline-dymond