CLAIMS that reintroducing helmets is a waste of cash have been rubbished by the police commissioner.

Anthony Stansfeld, commissioner for the Thames Valley, made the comments after announcing that the iconic headwear would be rolled out to police across the region in the coming months.

Critics have said money used to pay for the helmets, which is understood to be nearly £30,000, would be better spent in other areas, dismissing the scheme as ‘street theatre’.

Mr Stansfeld, however, has argued that the benefits of the roll out – giving officers increased visibility while out on patrols – will more than compensate for what he considers a relatively low cost.

He said: “The cost of supplying neighbourhood officers in Oxford will be in the region of £3,000 a year.

"We’re not talking about great sums of money.

“If Oxford really didn’t want police back in helmets it’s up to the chief constable whether they go back, but I’d suggest the public would thoroughly approve.

“Two major tourist locations in the Thames Valley are Windsor and Oxford.

"I think people from overseas like to be able to identify police officers.”

The roll out across the region, announced on Wednesday, follows what Mr Stansfeld branded a ‘hugely successful’ trial in Reading.

Custodian helmets were dropped as part of the uniform following a review in 2009.

Mr Stansfeld said he thought the decision, made prior to the introduction of elected police commissioners, was a mistake.

He said he was unsure of the reasons behind the choice but believed they were considered ‘old fashioned’.

The commissioner believes reintroducing helmets is more important than ever, as police cuts limit the amount of officers on the streets.

He said: “It’s about visibility and distinction.

"Everyone wears yellow these days – council workers, PCSOs, road workers.

“Police have become slightly invisible and this makes them obvious and visible.

“I’m delighted they’re making a comeback.”

The Oxford Mail polled its readers on the issue.

Out of 171 people, 58 percent said the helmets, which were scrapped in 2009, should be re-introduced and never should have been scrapped. 42 per cent said the cash should be spent elsewhere.