IT is somewhat ironic that South Worcestershire Police are warning drivers about the theft of radar-detection equipment from cars.

The "Snooper" and "Road Angel" devices alert drivers to the location of mobile laser "speed traps" - operated by the police.

The devices are, of course, not illegal - although be warned if you have one in your car and head overseas.

Countries such as France, Belgium and Switzerland take a very dim view of anyone found in possession of a radar detector. Confiscation of equipment and an instant fine is normal. In the Republic of Ireland it is legal to own a radar detector - but illegal to be found using one.

Now, thieves are stealing them from cars in Worcestershire, with eight being targeted during a three-week period in January alone.

It is easy to see the attraction of these devices to thieves. They are small, easily extracted from cars and quite expensive.

It would have been understandable, however, if officers had made these crimes a very low priority.

It could be argued that they encourage road-users to drive irresponsibly - until they receive a bleep from their dashboard, warning them of detection ahead, that is.

To their credit, South Worcestershire's officers are treating these crimes the same as any other.

In the meantime, we'll all just have to stick to the speed limit, won't we?