A detective from Shrewsbury has received two top commendations after playing a leading role in solving a series of burglaries at stately homes across England.

Detective Constable Jamie Pender, based at Monkmoor police station, produced much of the evidence which resulted in two men receiving lengthy jail terms. The probe involved stolen property worth more than £1.5 million.

The 18-month inquiry stretched from Cornwall to Cumbria, including a raid on a country home near Shrewsbury in 2009 where high value, irreplaceable antique china was stolen.

Mr Pender has been awarded a Chief Constable’s Commendation for his efforts as well as a Certificate of Commendation by His Honour Judge Peter Hughes who heard the court case. They will be presented at an awards ceremony in Shrewsbury during April.

Detective Sergeant Chris Hughes, from Shropshire’s burglary unit, said: “Following the burglary near Shrewsbury, Mr Pender began an 18-month investigation which encompassed five police forces and involved stolen property worth over £1.5 million.

“He led the Shropshire investigation in a dedicated and relentless manner showing the highest level of professionalism and meticulous detective ability in putting it together and linking it with the other crimes.”

As a result, two men appeared before Cumbria Crown Court in March last year charged with three burglaries at stately homes and a handling stolen goods offence. The main offender pleaded guilty and was jailed for nine years, and the other defendant was convicted after trial and sentenced to three years for handling stolen goods from the raids.

Mr Hughes said: “At the conclusion of the proceedings, the judge commended him for his outstanding investigative work and all-round contribution in bringing the case to court.”

In awarding the certificate, Judge Hughes said: “The commendation was made because of the significant contribution made by the officer to the complex investigation of a series of carefully planned burglaries at country houses in different locations across the country and to bringing the burglars to justice.”