A POLICEMAN who has caught more criminals than any of his colleagues has been named as Wychavon District Council's top crimebuster.

Between April 2005 and March 2006 PC David Shortell was responsible for the arrest of 73 criminals.

In one recent investigation into allegations of deception involving more than £100.000, a suspect was arrested and has now been charged with 15 offences.

A response officer based at Evesham, PC Shortell has been awarded this year's Wychavon Police Trophy.

Handing the award to him at the Civic Centre in Pershore on Monday, councillor Jean Dowty, chairman of Wych-avon District Council, said: "PC Shortell's drive to serve justice should be a motivation to younger people, who already look to him as a role model. His dedication to follow through with his cases give people the confidence to deal with our local police.

"It is an honour to present this award to such an outstanding officer."

PC Shortell joined the police in 1989 and is currently posted at the Wychavon Section in the South Worcestershire Division with particular responsibility for Evesham and Broadway.

He shares his energy and time with helping the youth of Wychavon. He is a founder member of the Children's Kayak Charitable Trust and in his own time helps to raise money for it. The trust provides a variety of outdoor activities from kayaking to road adventure driving.

Since 2001, more than 2,000 youngsters have enjoyed the efforts of PC Shortell's dedication to the organisation.