There will be more bobbies on the beat after the force announced the return of community policing.

The move follows the recruitment of extra officers and a restructure of some shift patterns.

Last year’s budget saw an extra £2.5m for the constabulary, which was the first increase for the force since 2001.

The extra funding has supported a variety of restructure measures and has enabled more officers to be taken on. In addition, shifts have been changed for some officers.

Announcing the return of community policing on Facebook, the constabulary said: ’Due to a recent restructure the way we police our community is changing for the better.

’Over the coming weeks there will be a greater police presence across the island. Stop and say hello to your local officers when you see them out and about.

’All officers are looking forward to getting back out into the community.’

Inspector Gavin Callow said that the move was about early intervention and demand reduction.

He said: ’We’ve always done community policing but budget restraints in previous years have meant we did have to drop back in terms of visibility.

’We’ve increased police numbers now following years of reduced budgets.

’We’ve also restructured some shift patterns to better match demand.

’The public want to see bobbies on the beat. It’s about tackling issues before they become a problem and good community links are vital to this.

’Officers will be available to respond to incidents but we can increase our community presence too.’

Announcing the extra £2.5m for the police force in the Budget last year, Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan MHK said: ’We are investing in the safety and security of our island.’