Police boxes may help fight crime

The once familiar sight may reappear on street corners

Blue police boxes which disappeared from street corners more than 30 years ago could be set for a 21st century comeback.

Senior officers are considering their re-introduction nationwide to boost public confidence in the police.

The hi-tech boxes, which would allow people to make emergency calls, are just one of a raft of measures being considered to help reduce the fear of crime.

The police box was immortalised as Dr Who's Time Machine

The boxes have been obsolete since 1969 but have been immortalised as Dr Who's time machine in the popular BBC's science fiction series.

The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) has suggested that a modernised version could be adopted.

Inspector Ian Kelly, of Northamptonshire Police, said: "We've had a whole raft of ideas from around the country and this was one of them.

"It would be a modern and very visible way for a member of the public to get in touch with a police officer."

The list of ideas will be considered by the Home Office.

Police reform

Home Secretary David Blunkett has told the police he is determined to carry out wide-ranging reform of the police this autumn.

Hi-tech boxes are already used in parts of Scotland

Among other proposals being considered is one for detectives to wear uniform when not undercover to raise awareness of officers on the beat.

An ACPO spokesman said: "We are presently working on our submissions to the Home Office and will be making details available when it is delivered."

Three years ago Lothian and Borders police introduced a pilot scheme in Edinburgh which adapted the original phone boxes to display a computerised police officer giving information on what to do in an emergency and giving directions to tourists.

The Metropolitan Police reintroduced a box at Earl's Court, in west London in 1996, offering a 24-hour direct link to the police control room and a CCTV camera on the roof.