A PLEDGE to put more uniformed officers on patrol in the Canterbury, Herne Bay and Whitstable area has come from the police area commander.

Supt Gary Beautridge admits that the perceived lack of bobbies on the beat is the main criticism of the force to come out of local public consultations.

Now his promise to provide a more visible police presence is included in the newly published policing plan for the district.

He said: "This autumn we are going to benefit from a big increase with 20 new officers joining our area. Many of those will be deployed on patrols which will create added visibility and impact on crime in rural areas.

"We know that the public wants to feel more reassurance, but we will still be focussing our efforts on the intelligence-led policing that has brought us such success against burglars and car thieves."

He added: "The public see our fundamental role as one of guardianship and we are making a massive effort with overwhelming success. My officers have one of the highest detection rates in the county and are bringing in offenders all the time."