BUSTING drugs factories and catching an elusive burglar have earned Sgt Steve Scott-Haynes the title Colchester’s thief-catcher of the year.

He has been named the town’s top cop for 2011 by the Colchester Association for the Protection of Property.

Sgt Scott-Haynes heads the town’s neighbourhood enforcement team, set up to deal with spates of crime and antisocial behaviour.

Particular successes include the capture of two prolific burglars operating in Shrub End.

Sgt Scott-Haynes, 41, said: “It is the experienced officers who make the team successful and there is great satisfaction in catching a burglar.

“It is why we are coppers and it is one of the best offences to solve. The impact of someone coming into your home is horrible. It is a violation. I have been burgled, so to be able to catch those responsible is fantastic.”

Sgt Scott-Haynes, who has been a police officer for ten years including eight years in Essex, said the award was a great way to finish his time in charge of the team before he joins CID next month.

He said the recognition belongs to the whole team, and those who had the vision to set it up.

He added: “I am hugely honoured. I had a look at the plaque and the other officers on it and they are the type of officers I aspire to be.

“I knew nothing about it so it was a big surprise.

“The neighbourhood enforcement team has had some excellent results, which is probably the reason for this.”

The Colchester Association for the Protection of Property, also known as the Thieves, was set up more than 250 years ago, when there was no organised police force. The group was tasked to make arrests. It now helps maintain the link between police and the community.

Its chairman Philip George said: “Every year we ask for three nominations of worthy officers and choose from the shortlist.

“Sgt Scott-Haynes’s team has taken direct action to reduce antisocial behaviour in key areas.

“This included arresting a notorious burglar who had eluded capture for two years.”

Sgt Scott-Haynes will be guest of honour at the annual dinner at Moot Hall on Wednesday.