A POLICE officer from Harpenden has received a commendation for his part in a multi-agency operation to thwart organised crime groups.

Detective Sergeant Steve Hynes, 40, who lives in the town but is based at Herts Police headquarters in Welwyn Garden City, was recognised for his involvement in Operation Lever.

The operation was designed to frustrate organised crime group from exporting high value stolen vehicles from the UK and was led by the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit at the port of Felixstowe.

It ran for six weeks during September and October 2009 with involvement from other agencies including Revenue and Customs and the UK Borders Agency.

Analysis of intelligence gained during the operation was recognised as national best practice in the disruption and dismantling of organised crime groups and was itself the subject of a national award.

DS Hynes, together with four other officers involved in the same operation, received commendations.