From a police point of view there was always the danger that time-wasters would eat up valuable work time.

But that was outweighed by the tremendous public goodwill that this engendered.

Knowing a bobby was instantly contactable gave people in smaller communities a greater sense of security and safety. Especially the elderly.

But a shake-up in neighbourhood policing has brought an end to this.

As Neighbourhood Policing Teams are expanded from 22 to 69, those who live in outlying communities must now phone a centralised number or send an e-mail when they have something to report.

"The days of having one designated officer for each area have gone. Now there is a team responsible for each area. It would be impossible to give out mobile numbers for everyone," says one senior officer.

The old system, according to those who used it, worked well and these changes have been questioned.

Clearly an increased presence on our streets is good. And the practicalities of issuing everyone with mobile phones could lead to complications. Not least officers getting calls when they are not on duty.

But could a compromise not have been found. Like a routing system to those who were on duty?

Only recently a direct call to a neighbourhood bobby helped guide him to where a crime was happening, which in a way sets a precedent.

While the new scheme has its plusses there is a danger it will make officers more remote. And that would not be helpful to the police or the communities they serve.