These were the main issues raised in a series of meetings held by the police to launch the Community Engagement Model project which will see bobbies back on the beat in each of the local communities.

The meetings, held in February in community centres, church halls and schools attracted "very good" attendances, averaging over 12 people at each with some bringing in more than 24 local residents to give their views to the officers who will be patrolling their neighbourhoods.

Chief Inspector Gary Crawford explained that the initiative follows on from a successful pilot scheme in Levenmouth which ran between April and October last year and is continuing, with the scheme being rolled out across Fife.

In Levenmouth there were 462 less crimes than in the same period the previous year - a drop of 11 per cent. Crimes of violence were down 42 per cent, theft from vehicles down 57 per cent and crimes of dishonesty dropped by 17 per cent.

Chief inspector Crawford explained that 40 officers were now acting in community policing roles across Fife, with an additional six officers in Kirkcaldy.

"Tackling and reducing the fear of crime and building safer neighbourhoods is achieved by listening to and understanding the needs and expectations of local communities," he explained.

"It is a bit like re-inventing the wheel by bringing back the local bobby."

He said the issues raised at the meetings were largely what the officers had expected and work had already begun to address these, with information published on the police website, and meetings due to be held in the communities bi-monthly from this month.

"Like in Levenmouth, it should see a reduction in some of the low level crime which is of concern to people living in Kirkcaldy, as well as councillors and other services," he added.