The police officer in charge of the Wallingford area has challenged residents complaining about crime to become volunteer officers.

Vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the town have worried local residents, councillors and the police.

The police, who have only eight officers to cover Wallingford and Didcot, have been accused of being slow to respond.

The transfer of police to more critical areas like Slough and Reading means rural cover is stretched.

Thames Valley Police area commander Chief Superintendent Katherine Govier said: "I have too few regular officers covering too large an area and do not have the manpower to respond to every call immediately.

"The public demands a faster response rate and people get very angry at what they see as police reluctance to act. Helping the police as a Special is one way of improving the service.

"In this rural area there about 35,000 people, yet I have only four folk public-spirited enough to be Special Constables. There's plenty of room for recruits."

Wallingford's mayor, Nigel Moor, backed the call, saying volunteers would have the thanks of everyone in the town.

"I hope lots of young people come forward to do this job," he said. "The sort of petty crime which is rife could be dealt with by Specials."

Ashley Kempson, manager of KP Stationers in Wallingford Market Place, said: "It would be a good start.

"A few more uniforms on the street would make a lot of difference in getting rid of the petty thievery, thuggery and vandalism we are all plagued with."

Anyone who wants to volunteer to should visit their local police station for further information.