Police have defended their response to a burglary in Narberth which was allegedly investigated by a "ridiculous" number of officers because some of the stolen property belonged to the chairman of the police authority.

Fifteen police officers were reported as being brought in to Narberth last week following the incident involving the theft of an overnight bag belonging to Delyth Humfryes, who chairs the independent body that holds the Dyfed-Powys Police to account.

It was taken from a house in the Narberth Bridge area of the town which is owned by Mrs Humfryes' partner. The couple had gone out for the evening and returned home to find that the burglary had taken place.

Police said that the burglary took place between 9.10pm and 11.30pm, last Monday.

Once entry had been gained, a search was made of the property and a red leather-look holdall containing ladies clothing and make up. A Samsung mobile phone, a Kodak Easyshare camera and a battery-operated shaver were also stolen during the break-in.

According to a report in a national newspaper, six detectives were among those investigating the break-in, where entry was gained to the house by smashing the bottom glass pane of the back door.

The paper also claimed that an incident room had been set up in Narberth police station, and quoted a "well-placed source" as saying: "The time and manpower spent was ridiculous. But Mrs Humfryes is very important in police circles."

An urgent response to dwelling house burglaries is ranked as a top priority for Dyfed-Powys police, and this was the first crime of its kind in Narberth "for some time", a spokesman said.

The police would not be drawn on the amount of officers involved in the investigation, but it would certainly have been necessary for additional officers to be brought in because of the limited number stationed at Narberth.

Mrs Humphryes did not wish to comment on the national newspaper story, but admitted that discovering the burglary was 'a frightening experience'.

"It was very much of a shock to have to face that at 11.30 in the evening, knowing that somebody could have been in the house," she told the Western Telegraph.

Mrs Humphryes emphasised that the 999 call reporting the crime was made by her partner, Mr Evans, with no mention of her name or position within the police authority.

"The call was responded to within the time of the policing pledge, but I would not be able to comment on the overall response to the incident as that is an operational matter," she said.

"In Dyfed-Powys, we strive to provide the best service possible to all our victims of crime," said the police spokesman.

"This was the first house burglary in the town for some time. Because of the nature of this crime, it is a priority for us, and in line with force policy, CID are involved in all cases of this type.

"Dyfed Powys police received a report of a burglary at a home in Narberth on Monday night. As with all calls of this nature, uniformed officers attended the scene and took details of the incident and started the investigation.

"The following morning, a detective inspector reviewed the case, again normal practice for police in Pembrokeshre.

"Through local enquiries, a man was arrested and property from the burglary was recovered.

"The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with any information relating to this and any other crimes in Pembrokeshire is encouraged to come forward - either by calling Dyfed-Powys Police on 101, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 11 or by speaking to their local Neighbourhood Policing Team."