MORE bobbies should be put on the beat to restore public confidence in an under-fire force, according to officials.

Councillor Russell Hart, vice-chairman of Cleveland Police Authority, claims the taxpayers of Teesside would not mind paying a proposed three per cent increase in the police precept next year, if the money raised was being spent on more front-line police.

He told a panel meeting of the authority that, given an assurance on police numbers, people would not object to paying a six or even seven per cent increase in precept.

He said: "It would be coppers for coppers. It does not cost a lot, the police precept part on the total amount of council tax.

"It seems to me that one way this force, in particular, could start getting back the favour and absolute confidence of the people of Cleveland is to make promises and keep promises.

"What the people of Cleveland want, and what there are calls for over and over, is more police on the beat.

"They don't want extra computers, they don't want bigger administrations. Essential as those things are, people want to see some more officers on the beat."

The police authority is about to protest to the Government at plans to increase its combined levy to the National Crime Squad and National Crime Intelligence Service by 65 per cent.

The authority wants any increase phased over a number of budget years to make a rise more affordable.

Authority member Councillor Ian Jeffrey said last night there would be public reaction to any increase in the police precept.

"I suspect there will be calls to bring back Robocop and, 'what about this £6m that has been thrown around with particular inquiries','' he said, referring to the suspension of Detective Superintendent Ray Mallon and the inquiry into alleged corruption in the force.