CRIMEBUSTING in Kidderminster received a boost this week as two new community safety officers began patrolling the streets.

The new officers - part of a team of five civilian CSOs across north Worcestershire with a remit to give a high visibility presence and deter anti-social behaviour - took up their duties on Monday.

Working alongside the police, Lee Hanson and John Sinclair will be carrying out routine foot patrols around the town, having successfully completed a four-week training programme.

Chief Supt Mark Howard said: "The new CSOs are a welcome addition to our resources.

"We envisage they will help tackle a wide range of quality of life issues in our local communities."

He added that in other areas covered by the West Mercia force, where the officers had been in post for some time, they had made a valuable contribution, offering reassurance to members of the public and increasing visibility.

They also allowed police officers to focus on the incidents only they had the power and training to deal with, he added.

"The CSOs will be ideally placed to build long-term relationships in the community and we hope that once they get established they will be seen as trustworthy and approachable, encouraging people to share information with them," Chief Supt Howard told the Shuttle/Times & News.

When out on patrol on Kidderminster's streets, Mr Hanson and Mr Sinclair will be clearly recognisable by their CSO uniforms.

Although similar to those worn by the police, the outfits have blue accessories and silver cap bands edged in blue.

In case further identification is needed, their cap badges and uniform will clearly state they are community safety officers.