I REFER to Dave Culliford of Weston-super-Mare's letter to the Shuttle/Times and News (April 10).

Socially and economically, times have changed since Mr Culliford lived in the Wyre Forest area. CCTV systems are now put in place to deter and also to detect criminal and anti-social behaviour.

No, it is not as overt as a "bobby on the beat" but costs and staffing numbers make CCTV a worthwhile investment for local councils and police authorities. I am directly involved with localised and public transport CCTV systems, and I do not know of anywhere that uses CCTV to just "record crimes".

Digital systems are now becoming the norm in town centres and this helps to add to the rising numbers of "CCTV assisted cases" which are solved in the UK every year.

Robbery in central Birmingham has decreased dramatically in the past 18 months, since CCTV was installed.

Again, it acts as a deterrent against crime and an extremely effective "capable guardian".

I wouldn't say crime levels in Bewdley are particularly bad, but I believe it is groups like the Wyre Forest Community Safety Partnership who are being pro-active and not re-active in addressing current social exclusion issues.

STUART HENRY

Operation Safer Travel Co-ordinator

Travel West Midlands

Callow Hill, Bewdley