Pembrokeshire police have been praised for their efforts in keeping crimes down and increasing detection rates.

The county's police were singled out at a meeting of Dyfed-Powys Police senior officers who assembled to examine performance, celebrate success and look for areas where improvements could be made.

Pembrokeshire officers' work, specifically in reducing violent crime and criminal damage offences, was acknowledged by chief officers. Two hundred less of these offences took place last year.

Across the Dyfed-Powys area there were 121 fewer reports of domestic burglary, 246 fewer vehicle crimes and 680 less cases of criminal damage.

The number of detections rose by 3.6% to 47.5% Pc Mark Williams stationed at Pembroke Dock was recognised for his proactive work, particularly around stop and searching suspects, which led to the solving 34 commercial burglaries across South Pembrokeshire.

Dc Steve O’Leary of Haverfordwest's intelligence unit, was recognised for his high standard of work in respect of developing intelligence packages. In particular his work around an investigation into a number of burglaries north Pembrokeshire, which led to arrests and recovery of property.

Ceri Doyle, press officer for Pembrokeshire, was recognised for her support in major crime investigations and her liaison work with the media.

Divisional Commander Dean Richards said: "It was pleasing for staff to have the acknowledgement of chief officers in respect of their hard work over the last nine months in Pembrokeshire.

"During this period crime has fallen in the county and officers are solving 6% more crime than they were for the same period last year."