COMPLAINTS about Thames Valley Police have rocketed with the public’s main gripe being “rude” bobbies, a police watchdog has said.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said complaints about the force rose 23 per cent, from 947 to 1,167 complaints between 2009 and 2010, while there has been a staggering 130 per cent rise since 2003.

The most common grumble was about rude or late police officers, though the IPCC and the force could not give numbers.

Deputy Chief Constable Francis Habgood said more people are coming forward to complain. He said: “Thames Valley Police as a force cannot continue to improve the standard of service we provide to our communities if people do not let us know when they are unhappy.”

He said officers were often placed in stressful situations and the challenge was to maintain high professional standards and service at all times.

Simon Lock, 52, complained to police earlier this month after six officers arrived to breathalyse him outside his home when he was seen leaving a pub by officers on patrol in an unmarked police car.

The Judds Close, Witney resident said one was “off” with him and he was made to sit outside for half-an-hour in the cold while the investigation was carried out.

Mr Lock, who received an apology from the police for the embarrassment caused, said: “There is no excuse for rudeness. Common decency is what’s needed.”

Suffolk, South Yorkshire, Northamptonshire, Gwent, Durham and City of London forces saw larger increases than Thames Valley.

IPCC spokesman Neil Coyte said: “The main allegations were about neglect or failure in duty and incivility – also known as ‘rude and late’.”

Yet Mike Franklin, IPCC commissioner for the South East, said: “Although it may at first glance seem to be bad news for the force, I believe that part of the reason for the increase in numbers of people complaining is improved access to and confidence in the complaints system.”

David Carroll, chairman of the force’s professional standards committee, said nine in 10 victims of crime were satisfied with the force.

He said: “The authority is always concerned when members of the public are not satisfied with the policing service they receive.”

Processes “are robust in addressing and resolving any complaints raised by members of the public”.

Force spokesman Rebecca Webber was unable to provide a break-down of county complaints before The Oxford Mail’s deadline.

Previous data obtained by The Mail show 16 officers were subject to three or more complaints, a total 83 allegations, in the 12 months from April 2009.

Only three were substantiated of officers being rude and failing in their duty.