The controversial pilot scheme will be tested in Peterborough, Cambs

Police are to interview victims of crime via Skype instead of seeing them in person in a dramatic new cost-cutting move.

The controversial pilot scheme - believed to be the first in the country - will be tested in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire where the force faces huge budget cuts.

But the move has been blasted by victims of crime who claim that it will hit the most vulnerable at their time of need.

At the moment, people who call 101 to report a crime are booked an appointment with an officer at their home.

Police are to interview victims of crime via Skype instead of seeing them in person in a dramatic new cost-cutting move. Sergeant Mike Horde at Thorpe Wood Police station in Peterborough using Skype

Under the trial, the public will instead be asked to go to the station or speak to an officer on the phone - or on a video call via Skype.

Cambridgeshire police claimed the Skype scheme would make their service more efficient and cost-effective.

Police forces across the country have been told to expect 25 to 40 per cent reductions in funding in November's Comprehensive Spending Review.

Last year Greater Manchester Police Deputy Chief Constable Ian Hopkins predicted that the public will start using Skype to contact police.

And in 2013 Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire Olly Martins also suggested the public could get in touch with the force via Skype, although neither of those forces have yet implemented the measure.

But victims of crime have criticised the move.

RAF veteran Richard Sandon, 53, was assaulted in February when he was punched out of his mobility scooter and kicked while on the ground.

He underwent surgery on his right arm where he had two metal plates and seven pins placed in order to hold his damaged bones together.

In September he was victim of a knife point robbery where he was forced to go to a cash point and withdraw money.

The father-of-one, of Peterborough, said: 'When you're in that state - you don't want a phone call and you certainly don't want to Skype.

Under the trial, the public will instead be asked to go to the station or speak to an officer on the phone - or on a video call via Skype

'You want an officer that can show empathy. Empathy is what you need and you can't do that on Skype.'

Mr Sandon said when police visited him after the attack he felt 'safe' and that victims will now lose out if they do not get the same treatment.

He said: 'I think it's a cop out.

'For some people I think it might work because they're not comfortable with a uniform coming to the door as you could get targeted.

'But mainly I think it's a complete cop-out because when you interview somebody you get a direct feel, particularly with body language, and experienced people can tell how you feel.

'How about all the people who don't even know what Skype is. Most of the older generation don't know or even own a smart TV or a smart phone and they need a broadband connection.

'I guess it's cheaper in manpower but I believe it's at the expense of the victims.'

A spokeswoman said calls would be dealt with 'on a case-by-case' basis and officers will still carry out home visits where necessary.

'You want an officer that can show empathy. Empathy is what you need and you can't do that on Skype' Victim of crime and RAF veteran Richard Sandon

Area Commander for Peterborough, Superintendent Melanie Dales, said: 'We understand people have busy lives and this service will provide flexibility, with appointments from 8am to 10pm seven days a week.

'This initiative will bring the police more in line with other services, such as doctors' surgeries, and as with the health service our emergency response will be there when required.

'It will allow officers, who use a large proportion of their time travelling across the city to and from appointments, more time to patrol their neighbourhoods.

'Also, by using modern technology such as Skype, we are increasing our efficiency and ensuring we are able to respond to people in a shorter time frame.'

Shaun Ryan, from Cambridgeshire Police Federation, said the force was 'embracing new ways of using technology to save cost.'

He added: 'There are a lot of people who don't have the time to come and see the police.

'Resources being as they are we need to be looking at how we best tailor our service within those budgets that we are going to have to be working towards.

'If it is something that a member of the public is happy with then I can't see much of a problem.

'There will be people who will be more than happy to speak to someone like that on Skype. We will have to wait and see if it works.'

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cambridgeshire, Sir Graham Bright, said: 'This is one of the many examples of the Constabulary using technology to offer additional engagement options to the public.

'The use of Skype might be preferable to some people whilst it will also reduce the amount of time officers spend travelling.