Figures obtained through a Freedom Of Information request revealed that the number of officers on footpatrol in Fife is only a small percentage of those actually on duty – raising calls for more visable police on the streets.

On the two dates questioned, one in 2007 and one in 2008, there were only 14 per cent and nine per cent, respectively, of on-duty officers on the beat.

Chief Constable Andrew Laing said the issue was more complex than the numbers show.

He said: "Officers on visible patrol undoubtedly provide a level of reassurance and support – but the simplicity ends there.

''The reality is that there are equally, if not greater, demands to have officers respond quickly to calls; to arrest and report offenders; to reduce sexual offending; to tackle the endemic drugs problem; to tackle the real community problems created by antisocial behaviour and alcohol abuse; and much much more. Patrolling alone will not do that."

On one date in 2008, only 25 officers out of 275 who were on duty were on foot patrol within the whole of Fife.

Read the full story in this week's Fife Free Press.