Pc Ian Adams, based at the Smethwick road policing unit topped a league table of the region’s top cops after arresting 196 suspects between April 2008 and 2009.

The 37-year-old has been with the force for 12 years and has spent nine years with the roads department and proud bosses have said he “lives, breathes and eats” his job. Meanwhile, in Staffordshire, Pc Jez Reynolds, aged 45, was named the most prolific, making 144 arrests.

Pc Adams, a father-of-two who lives in Wombourne, said he had never really realised that he was making more arrests than his colleagues.

“I would have said that is about average,” he said.

“I didn’t realise headquarters kept tallies so I’m pleasantly surprised.”

Pc Adams said there had been plenty of “playful banter” from fellow officers since they found out about the accolade.

Wolverhampton-born Pc Reynolds is part of the armed response team for Staffordshire Police.