There has been a mixed response to the suggestion that council taxpayers across Swindon and Wiltshire might be asked to find £24 more next year just for the police.

Some like the idea as long as the money is spent, as promised, on hiring more officers.

Others have responded saying they already pay more than enough in taxes.

Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson is asking for the public's views on the £2 per month increase for the standard Band D taxpayers.

That would take the annual police precept from £182.27 to £206.54, the first time it has ever gone over £200.

Mr Macpherson says the increase will see 41 more officers and two cyber-crime fighters hired: “If the public agree to this precept rise, I will recruit 41 more officers and 2 dedicated cyber-crime staff.

“Cyber-crime continues to be a growing risk in modern society and those who take advantage of the most vulnerable, using technology, are a very real threat.

“If the public supports my proposal, I will allocate funding to two dedicated cyber teams, one focusing on the despicable crime of child sexual exploitation and the other on fraud.

“There will also be a renewed focus on crime prevention using a range of tactics to target those who are likely to commit crime in future.”

Mr Macpherson added: “I’ve listened to the public when they’ve said they don’t see the police enough, and community policing is an absolute priority for me.

“Some of these additional officers will be placed in response teams to ensure an enhanced focus on building stronger links with the communities Wiltshire Police serves and protects, and others within the cyber teams.

“It’s always a difficult decision to increase the precept, but it is necessary if we want more police officers.

“The long distance between our communities puts added pressure on our resources, and I continue to lobby the Government to give Wiltshire a fairer amount of the national funding pot.”

On Facebook, Adver reader Jennie Fellowes wrote: "If it’s the difference between having more police officers or not , then yes absolutely" but Joe Botwright wrote: "I think most people would, but that’s not how it works. Let’s say we agree to pay an extra £2 per month for extra police, then we will get asked to pay £2 a month extra for the NHS, for the fire brigade, maybe another £1 a month to help improve our roads, maybe then another £1.50 for something else."

Steve Pearce suggested he'd support it, but that the police themselves need more support when he wrote: "It depends very much on whether it would actually make a difference and if the courts would actually start to impose the penalties worthy of the crimes that the police are investigating.

" It seems to me that it is the courts and justice system that are failing us all and especially the police by squashing their efforts and undermining their authority."

Reader Jordan Aaron Knapp was blunt: "No chance, I pay enough tax." and a reader using the name Guv said he would refuse to pay any more:" I am not paying £24 more this year, I get less every year and I will pay no more than the amount I paid last year.

"You can take me to court for any increase."

The consultation will run until January 31.

For more information on how to share your views please visit www.wiltshire-pcc.gov.uk, you can also email pcc@wiltshire.pcc.pnn.gov.uk or use #AskAngusPCC on social media.