A police officer who solved almost 70 per cent of all the crimes he has investigated recently, has won a top award.

Oxford-based Pc Paul Phillips, 44, solved 68.9 per cent of the criminal incidents he dealt with in his city centre beat over a six-month period.

He picked up a Commander's Commendation for outstanding, dedicated and exemplary service as a neighbourhood officer.

Pc Phillips, who has worked in the city centre for six years, detected 73 of the 106 crimes allocated to him between April and October last year.

His detection rate is the highest of any officer in the city.

He also carried out 63 stop-and-search checks - and carries out all his patrols on foot.

Pc Phillips said: "I was really pleased to receive the award.

"I don't think I excelled myself during this time. I've been out there looking at the areas where there have been problems, and looked at individuals behind these particular problems and then dealt with it.

"Hopefully, over time, it will have an impact on the safety of the neighbourhood I'm policing."

Over the six months, Pc Phillips was commended for tackling a range of crimes including drunken assaults, criminal damage, vandalism, drug dealing and begging.

He was also involved in the eviction of squatters at the so-called Tent City by the River Thames, near Grandpont Nature Reserve, and helped secure antisocial behaviour orders against persistent beggar Gareth Turp.

Meanwhile, in the year to March, Pc Phillips made 165 arrests, again higher than any other Oxford officer.

He added: "Being the neighbourhood officer and being here for such a long time means I often know where to look and who to speak to.

"It's just me being positive, knowing my neighbourhood and who to talk to, and investigating crimes thoroughly."

Three years ago, Pc Phillips was awarded the Queen's Police Medal for his outstanding contribution to policing.

Chief Supt Shaun Morley praised Pc Phillips after handing him his award.

He said: "Paul's workload and detection rate is phenomenal. Consistently, over many years, he has demonstrated his commitment to policing with energy and enthusiasm.

"His number of detections is the highest in the city, and he carries the second highest workload of all city-based officers."

A police spokesman could not provide statistics showing how officers had performed in Oxfordshire.