NORTH Kent's top police officer says he is delighted the force has won praise for its efforts to bring down burglary and car crime.

Kent police are "very efficient and effective with impressive levels of leadership and innovation", according to an inspection report.

HM Inspectorate of Constabulary described Operation Cubit, the abandoned vehicles initiative trialled in Gravesend and Dartford, as "extremely successful".

The 64-page report added: "Kent is set to meet the national 25 per cent burglary reduction targets for March 2005. There have been equally impressive results in vehicle crime."

And race relations, an issue very close to Superintendent David Pryer's heart, was commended in a lengthy section of the report published last week.

Supt Pryer, who heads the north Kent area, said: "It is good to know the force is developing in a healthy way. I have led the way on race and diversity issues since 1998 and I'm very proud the work we have done has been endorsed. We have to continue to improve communication throughout our community."

The county's Chief Constable Sir David Phillips said: "When times are tough, it is team spirit which will see us through."

July 8, 2002 19:00