VICTIMS of crime can make GP-style appointments with police in a ground-breaking pilot initiative which launches on Monday.

Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s pilot runs at four stations across the county - including March police station - in a bid to free-up officers to spend more time patrolling neighbourhoods.

Under the appointment scheme, victims will be able to book an hour-long appointment with an officer at the station. People will be asked to make an appointment from today if appropriate.

Currently, police will visit a victim of crime at their home a few days after a non-emergency incident has been reported.

Deputy Chief Constable John Feavyour said: “By giving victims an allotted time and place to go, officers will have more time to focus on emergency and very serious issues and free-up more officer time for investigative work and proactive policing.

“People have busy lives and this service will provide flexibility, with appointments from 8am to 8pm seven days a week.

“The initiative will bring the police more into line with other services, such as doctors’ surgeries, and as with the health service our emergency response will be there when required.”

The three other stations taking part in the initiative are Histon, Thorpe Wood in Peterborough and Huntingdon.

Cases will be looked at on a case-by-case basis and officers will still carry out home visits where necessary.

The system could also allow trained officers to play an important part in an investigation when they are not able to be on operational duties due to injuries.