Crooks responsible for high-level crime have been brought to book and put behind bars for a total of 2,000 years by a three-county police unit since it was set up.

Officers and staff from the Beds, Cambs and Herts major crime unit, established in April 2012, have been celebrating the landmark and their boss says it reflects the hard work they have put in to take dangerous criminals off the streets.

Det Supt Paul Fullwood, who heads the unit, said: “This is a major milestone and reflects the hard work and dedication of not only the detectives and staff who work for me, but all the other teams who assist us and play a vital role in our investigations.

“Most importantly we are delivering justice for the victims and families of these truly horrendous crimes whilst making our counties even safer places to live.”

The tri-force unit is made up of more than 100 detectives and 70 staff who investigate all major crimes across the three counties.

The offences they deal with include murder, manslaughter, stranger rape and kidnap and extortion as well as cold case (historic) offences. At any one time the teams are investigating up to 50 cases across the three forces.

Mr Fullwood added: “When crimes of this nature do occur they send shockwaves through our communities and I hope people living in Herts, Beds and Cambs feel reassured our dedicated, specialist teams are on hand 24/7 to ensure we respond effectively and successfully investigate to bring suspects before the courts.

“We are continually looking at ways to improve our response and deliver further savings whilst securing significant prison terms. We are using cutting edge forensics and technology and I am extremely proud of the results we are achieving.

“Thanks must also go to the members of the public who support our investigations giving statements and evidence. Your contributions are vital.”