Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary launches local bobby scheme

Neighbourhood bobbies would be a visible presence in the community, Ms Jones said

A police force has published names and contact numbers for "local bobbies" for every part of its area.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said the Dedicated Neighbourhood Officers would help to forge better links with the public.

Ninety-nine officers have been assigned to 95 communities, with some areas covered by more than one.

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones said the bobbies would prioritise community meetings.

"They will carry on focusing on going to that community meeting, turning up at the village hall, turning up at the church if there's a meeting, going into the local off-licence if that's what they've agreed to do."

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones said police relations with the public had been lost

Names, contact numbers and email addresses of neighbourhood officers have been published on the force website.

Similar schemes have been introduced by police in Cumbria and Greater Manchester.

Ms Jones said relations between the police and public had been "lost in recent years".

She said: "Ensuring the public know who their local bobby is and how to get hold of them is vital. This new scheme will ensure people know who to contact about safety and crime concerns.

"It will also provide ample opportunities for the community to share information and intelligence easily, ultimately helping the police to police more effectively."