POLICE officers and staff have been praised for keeping crime levels down.

The Herefordshire policing board said officers, including specials and community support officers, were committed and professional in their jobs.

Chairman of the board councillor Bernard Hunt said: “We live in a beautiful part of the world and we feel safe in our homes because of the job they do, often in difficult circumstances.

“There may be challenging times ahead for our police service given the current economic situation, but I am confident that they have the skills, local knowledge, experience and commitment to continue to provide a first class service.”

The Herefordshire policing board’s praise came after reviewing the achievements of the county division during the last 12 months, which included it achieving a 84.9 per cent user satisfaction rating.

It was also noted that between August 2007 and 2008 low levels of domestic buglaries, thefts from vehicles, and thefts of vehicles were maintained.

Herefordshire also achieved a significant increase in the number of detections resulting in sanctions against the perpetrator for serious violence against the person and sexual offences, up from 33.7 per cent to 44.8 per cent.

The Herefordshire policing board is made up of West Mercia Police Authority members local to Herefordshire, and their focus is on performance, community engagement and partnership working to make sure the local policing plan is delivered.