Local bobbies are back on the streets of Southampton, it has been announced, with the likes of Totton, Bitterne and Shirley now having their own dedicated officers.

A total of 99 neighbourhood police officers across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have been allocated a patch to patrol – acting as a continuous point of contact for their respective communities.

Residents are even able to contact their local bobby by phone or via email – which can be found on Hampshire police’s website.

PC Luke Peskett is the new bobby for Bitterne North.

He said: “I’ve been part of the neighbourhood team here for two years and when this designated officer role came to fruition, I gladly accepted.

“I think the main difference will be that we have a neighbourhood team who deal with crime in the area and then have to respond to 999 calls and due to the excessive amount of calls a lot of officers are often pulled away from their duties and I’m now protected by that.

“The fact that people within the community can contact me directly is obviously a huge bonus too.”

Daily Echo: PC Luke Peskett will be patrolling Bitterne NorthPC Luke Peskett will be patrolling Bitterne North (Image: Matt Davey)

Local bobbies will be in post for a minimum of two years. Members of the public can find their details by looking up their postcode here.

Speaking to the Echo, Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Donna Jones, said she’d answered the public's calls for a larger police presence on the city's streets.

She said: “Over the last three years that I’ve been PCC, the public has told me unequivocally that they want to see more police officers on the beat and want to see police visibility increasing, with crime coming down.

“I’ve listened to what the public has said and today is the launch of our new local bobbies scheme, with a named bobby for every community.”

READ MORE: Four Hampshire drink drivers banned from the roads

Daily Echo: PCC Donna Jones and Chief Constable Scott ChiltonPCC Donna Jones and Chief Constable Scott Chilton (Image: Matt Davey)

Daily Echo: Local bobbies are back in SouthamptonLocal bobbies are back in Southampton (Image: Matt Davey)

She added: “If it wasn’t for the public, this would not be happening.

“It’s about responding to what the public want as taxpayers, whilst increasing public safety and getting to know your local bobby on the streets and in the shops, who it will benefit most.”

Commenting on the scheme, Chief Constable Scott Chilton, added: “Myself and the commissioner have had a shared ambition about bringing policing back to the street.

“It’s a back-to-basics approach which will have officers based in communities, gathering intelligence, listening to what people are saying and ultimately pursuing criminals, so I really welcome this move.”