As police across the UK consider the option of arming themselves with deadly weapons in a bid to fight crime, one local bobby has decided to adopt a very different tactic.

Abergavenny police officer Adam Hollings has employed the art of biting humour in his ever long quest to stamp out anti-social behaviour in the town.

The comical internet posts have garnered a cult following for their witty and often cutting nature, as PC Hollings (pictured) takes ‘community engagement’ to unconventional heights.

Often a vessel for tough talk and matter-of-fact reportage, Twitter also offers a vehicle for pithy remarks for twenty-first century Oscar Wilde-like mimicry.

Following reports of a local ‘gangster’ attempting to ‘take over’ the town’s skatepark in a pursuit of what must be a burgeoning and lucrative criminal empire extending to at least 40 square metres, PC Hollings decided a verbal takedown would be more effective than drafting the riot squad.

Less than twenty words later, the budding criminal enterprise collapsed under the weight of sarcastic retort skilfully dispensed by the comic copper.

Using a picture of the late Gene Wilder, the scathing Twitter post read: “To the wannabe gangster trying to ‘take over’ the skate park. Pssst… you don’t live in L.A. This is Abergavenny.”

The acerbic tweet has since attracted praise from users who seemingly appreciate the novel approach to dealing with anti-social behaviour through lighthearted ridicule rather than heavy-handed retribution.

One Twitter user said, “This is everything I live for! The best thing I’ve seen on Twitter in ages. Nicely done!”

The popular post, taking aim at gangsta rap-inspired ‘snapback’ caps and the music of murdered gangland rapper Tupac Shakur, earned PC Hollings kudos from an already loyal cult following.

Over 90 users shared the post with their followers, its popularity even making what must be the Man Booker Prize of the police comic scene, Facebook page UK Cop Humour.

In another tweet from the Abergavenny Officers account, bobbies soaked up the recognition.

“Great to be recognised on patrol by Twitter followers from Brecon and thanked for the information we send out and laughs we give,” said officers manning the feed.

One user said, ”It’s nice to see #pchollings is down with the kids”, to which the Gwent Police account replied, ”He likes to think he is but he’s rapidly approaching middle age and spends his Saturday nights sat in a police van these days.”

PC Hollings said, “Twitter is an excellent platform, allowing us to engage with the local community.

“We keep everyone up-to-date with all the work we do daily. We try and make people have a laugh now and again whilst we show our human side.

“I am surprised how far this has spread. We have had people commenting from as far away as Australia. That’s my fifteen minutes of fame, I suppose!.”

Readers can follow Abergavenny Officers Twitter feed for the latest updates and tweets.