FEWER police are patrolling the streets of Reading, with Thames Valley Police (TVP) axing the third highest percentage of officers of any force in England and Wales.

On March 31 last year, 4,244 police officers were employed by TVP, according to recently released Home Office figures.

A year later 4,096 were on the books, an 148 officer or 3.5 per cent reduction and the third biggest percentage fall in the two countries, out of 44 forces.

The decrease stands in stark comparison to the 18 organisations that added officers, such as West Yorkshire and Gwent, where officer ranks swelled by around five per cent.

In addition, nearly 200 fewer front line officers were employed by TVP on March 31 this year compared to the same date in 2010, to 3,472 from 3,660.

Matt Rodda, the recently elected Labour MP for Reading East, suggested the fall was the direct result of central government cuts.

"I am very concerned about this issue," he said.

"It indicates the pressure put on police and public services by austerity and I am going to be campaigning about this.

"If you look at the Labour manifesto we pledged 10,000 extra police officers. I think what we are planning to do is in stark contrast to the Conservatives."

A statement from TVP indicated that the changing nature of policing meant fewer staff could provide the same service.

It read: "The policing landscape is ever changing with the emergence of new complex crimes. The Force keeps resourcing under review to ensure we continue to meet the demand faced and to keep our communities safe.

"During this period of increasing demand, our work is ongoing to ensure our officers and staff are equipped and supported with the skills, evidence base, technology, and environment to deliver the highest professional standards in their service to the public.

"Through the use of technology such as smartphones, laptops and in-vehicle Wi-Fi, our officers have access to information and systems while on patrol, improving our efficiency as a Force."