Phone your local Pc on his mobile

The public could be given mobile phone numbers for local police officers under plans to cut petty crime.

The scheme is expected to be included in a White Paper on police reform, designed to provide people worried about low-level crime such as anti-social behaviour, noise and litter with an easy way of contacting an officer.

Under the reforms, officers would be reorganised into neighbourhood teams consisting of a sergeant, two constables and three community support officers. They would be expected to integrate themselves into the community to such an extent that residents know them by name.

The proposals come amid mounting concern over community policing. Pressure on resources has made it difficult for the public to contact officers.

Successful pilot schemes involving the publication of beat officers' mobile numbers have already been carried out. Despite concerns about timewasters, forces found the scheme useful in tackling low-level crime.