THE process of police recording crimes will speed up in Herefordshire, thanks to the launch of a new free-phone number for officers to call from victims' homes.

The direct-dial system, which has already been adopted by other forces nationally, means crime information is reported and logged instantly on the phone by the police officer.

The new scheme cuts down on paperwork, which in the previous system would be faxed through to headquarters by the officer when he or she returns to the police station.

Details would then be logged on to the police system, with the whole process taking two days.

Direct-dial allows a crime number to be allocated and given immediately and enables police officers more time to conduct investigations.

"The direct dial system is very simple. It cuts down on procedures and paperwork and means we can get on with the job of detecting crime that much quicker," said Sgt Pete Butcher, of Hereford police station's crime desk.

The Herefordshire division has also introduced a postcard system.

This means police officers can leave details and contact names and numbers with the person reporting a crime to make it easier for them to follow up their complaint or contact police in future.