Mr Fuller said the aim was to reduce crime and provide reassurance

Kent Police Chief Constable Mike Fuller announced an extra �1.7m to help fund the extra regular and civilian support officers to stamp out petty crime.

He said the aim of the initiative was for officers to become known in the community and help stop vandalism, graffiti and anti-social behaviour.

Crime data will be studied to establish where the officers should be placed.

The ultimate aim is to reduce crime within the communities, but also to provide reassurance Mike Fuller, chief constable

Mr Fuller said: "The plan is to introduce a system of neighbourhood policing throughout the county.

"The important commitment of neighbourhood policing is having a police officer who is known by the community and who is also supported by wardens and by community support officers.

"It is about tackling low-level crime, quality-of-life crime issues such as vandalism, graffiti, abandoned vehicles, fly tipping - those issues that affect the community.

"The ultimate aim is to reduce crime within the communities, but also to provide reassurance.

"We still have a commitment to tackling serious crime and major crime because that is important to people's feelings of safety."

Mr Fuller said the force would be looking at data and consulting the county council to establish the best places for the new officers to patrol.