Fear of crime and antisocial behaviour means calls are regularly made for more police officers to be seen patrolling the streets.

According to current Government crime statistics, nearly one in five people thinks antisocial behaviour is a problem in their area.

Although they do not have the same powers as regular officers, police community support officers (PCSOs) can bring a reassuring presence to the streets and provide vital support to the force.

Adele Jenkins is a familiar face in Radlett having been the village's PCSO for more than four years. The start of her shift begins in Watling Street, which she calls the heart of her area'.

Ms Jenkins walks along the street greeted by smiling faces and waves as she pops into shops to find out the latest news and issues.

Shopkeepers and customers seem pleased to see her and engage in a bit of friendly banter as well as talking to her about their concerns.

Yelda Hancock, owner of Radlett Fish Bar, says: "She is a wonderful person and a very good community officer.

"It doesn't matter whether she is on duty or not, she is always willing to give advice and help.

"A little town like Radlett needs someone like her."

Ms Jenkins makes sure she introduces herself to every new shopkeeper opening a store, so they know if there are any problems she will be around to help.

She says: "Because Radlett is a village, I really feel part of the community.

"As I walk down the road I get waved at by shoppers and shopkeepers.

"It is a job, and we all go to work to earn a wage, but I love my job and the area I work in.

"I think it is important that the people here see how passionate I am about it."

As well as her regular patrols, Ms Jenkins can be called upon to help police at public events, such as Remembrance Day parades.

She also has to be on hand to deal with minor offenders and unexpected situations.

People riding their bikes on the pavement, driving dangerously and parking at junctions get some stern words from the PCSO.

"I work on a rolling shift pattern which is good because people don't know when to expect you to be around," she says.

Just as we are about to get into the car to move on to the next patch, Ms Jenkins is called upon to act quickly in an urgent situation.

A driver in distress has stopped at a junction, blocking traffic. Impatient drivers begin sounding their horns and drive on the wrong side of the road.

Ms Jenkins runs to the woman's aid, calms her, and is able to move her to the passenger seat before driving the car to a safer place.

"You never know what situation you are going to come across and you have to judge each as it comes," she says.

"You have to be able to change from one minute to the next.

"You may have to make someone feel at ease and calm things down but then you may have to be able to switch to being harsh with someone causing offence.

"But if I come across a situation I feel I can't handle alone, I know there is a unit that will come and help me.

"I especially get very good support from the Specials volunteer officers."

As we drive around to the next stop, it becomes clear how large an area Ms Jenkins covers.

As well as patrolling the high street, other places in her regular shifts include Aldenham, Letchmore Heath and Battlers Green Farm.

We make a stop at Phillimore Recreation Ground, which was quite deserted apart from a few children enjoying half term with their parents, all of whom welcome the sight of an officer.

Ms Jenkins says: "Although Radlett is generally a very safe place, I think people have a fear of crime.

"That is why most people like to see me walking around - unless they're up to no good."