On the tweet

The fact that his tales of drug busts and missing cats have attracted more than 430 followers on Twitter cannot just be down to what sounds

like a quaint story. It shows that the public likes to know what their neighbourhood police officer has been doing.

Constables who keep their local residents informed are doing the right thing – providing it does not interfere with catching criminals.

This has to remain the core purpose of the man or woman on the beat. If, however, technology helps officers to appeal for information, track down suspects or boost confidence in the police service, then it is worth trying.

Twenty-first century criminal investigations often start in front of a computer but where they end is still more important – and that should be with villains being brought to book.