More Pcs on beat? Get real

A senior police officer told residents who asked for more uniformed police on the streets to "get a dose of reality".

Assistant chief constable Allyn Thomas also responded to complaints that it takes too long to get through to a police station by asking: "Have you tried phoning your bank recently?"

He went on to tell those concerned the local police station was no longer open at night and if they wanted things to change they should volunteer to staff it themselves.

His comments, made at a public meeting in Deal, Kent, left locals furious.

One told Mr Thomas how it took four and a half hours for an officer to attend a mugging scene.