'Criminals beware, the detection of crimes committed is going up' is the message being given out by Dyfed Powys Police after the latest meeting where senior officers get together with others to examine performance, celebrate success and look for areas where improvements can be made.

Crime for the period April to December last year was down six per cent on the same time the previous year. This equates to less people being victims of crime in Dyfed Powys during that period.

In that period across the force, 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 per cent to 47.5 per cent and Dyfed Powys Police have a policy of investigating all crime.

Chief Constable Ian Arundale said at the meeting: "It is important to celebrate our achievement and then share best practice and good ideas throughout the force.

"I want us to take time to monitor our performance against the targets we have set in our Policing Plan to make sure we are doing as well as we can and are delivering the best possible service for residents of Dyfed Powys as well as visitors to this beautiful area.

"In Pembrokeshire, officers' work in respect of reducing crime was acknowledged by chief officers, in particular in the areas of violent crime and criminal damage offences, which have reduced by 200 offences."

Divisional Commander Dean Richards stated: "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 six per cent more crime than they were for the same period last year."

During the meeting, three staff members were acknowledged for their contribution to keeping Pembrokshire safe.

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.

Ceri Doyle, press officer for Pembrokeshire, was recognised for her sustained high performance in respect of liaising with media and ensuring that the work of police in Pembrokeshire was highlighted to communities through press and media. She was also recognised for her support in major crime investigations across the force area.

DC Steve O'Leary based in the Intelligence Unit, Haverfordwest, 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 in the north of the county which led to the arrest of persons from Gwent and recovery of property.