I RECENTLY returned to Pontrilas in the early hours of January 18 from an overseas trip.

On arrival, I entered the house by my rear door utilizing a hand torch to illuminate the door lock. Having unloaded some of my kit from the car, I sat down to enjoy a cup of tea.

A few minutes later, I heard some noise at the front of the house.

On investigation, there was a Panda car parked across the driveway. Two uniformed police officers, one an inspector and the second a police constable were conducting a search of the garden area.

Having established my identity, they informed me that they had been alerted by a local resident.

The local had informed them that a torch light had been seen at the rear of my house, which they believed to be unoccupied.

Both officers were polite and professional throughout.

I am writing this letter to congratulate the Hereford police on their speedy response and reassure the locals of Pontrilas and Ewyas Harold that they can depend on a quick response from our police cover from Hereford.

The neighbour who called the police has remained anonymous, whoever you are, please accept my thanks for your civil action.

During my career, I have been directly exposed to police forces throughout the world.

Be assured, none of them hold a candle to our local boys in Hereford.

TREVOR HENRY, Scudamore Close, Pontrilas.