7270896VICTIMS of low-level crime have a new way to contact their local beat bobby. Swindon police has launched a new non-emergency answer phone service in an attempt to bring officers closer to the community.

By calling the number 01793 507899 residents will be able to leave messages for their local officers.

Reports of yobbish behaviour, vandalism, noise and under-age drinking can also be left.

The idea has been introduced ahead of Government plans to make all officers accessible by mobile phone.

These are among a range of measures in the Home Office's new White Paper, which is aimed at improving community policing.

Sergeant Robin Colbourne who is in charge of community beats in north and west Swindon came up with the idea.

"The Government wants us to be closer to the community and this will help us do that," he said.

"It will enable people to leave messages for their community beat officers.

"It is not designed for emergency situations.

"In those cases callers should dial 01793 528111 or 999.

"They do not need to leave their name and address if they are just reporting problems but it would help us if they did."

It is hoped that callers will help police build up a clearer picture of trouble hotspots which can then be targeted with the new dispersal orders.

Several are already in operation across town, allowing the police to break up rowdy gangs of troublemakers.

But now the officers are changing their tactics.

They want to tailor the orders to small areas, which can be policed more easily.

The first of these micro-orders was taken out at Christmas in Moredon, covering an area around Church Walk North and Church Walk South, which has been besieged by louts.

Tamash Lal