Bluff locals are fighting a proposal to reduce the number of police officers in the town from three to one.

At a meeting in the port town last night, around 200 locals gave a firm message to Southern Area Commander Lane Todd to drop the proposal.

The Bluff Community Board has been told police have reviewed crime levels in the area and statistics have pointed to a drop.

But Board chairman, Ray Fyfe believes there's a simple explanation for the dip in the crime rate.

"It's because of the police work that's carried on here now and because of the hours they work and the continual patrolling the streets.

"They're walking the beat and that's what policemen are employed to do."

Ray Fyfe says Inspector Lane Todd told them a firm answer on the areas policing future will be known by the end of the month.