THE fight against crime is one that will probably always be with us.

In this battle the authorities are, increasingly, using the latest technology, whenever and wherever possible.

Virtually every city, town, village, shopping centre, sports stadium, church - the list is endless - now have their own closed circuit TV system.

This is being use in two ways - as a deterrent to those who are aware if its existence, and as an aid to the capture of the unknowing.

One of the more controversial uses of high technology - and one that probably affects the majority of the community in and around the Faithful City - is the deployment of cameras on the roadside spotting speeding drivers.

Like them or loathe them, these cameras have a reputation for cutting down on speeding in the areas they cover. Speeding is, despite what many think, a crime.

This morning, the Government is under attack for planning to make the actual speed trap cameras more visible by painting them in bright colours.

Critics think that this will lessen their effectiveness by making them easier to spot by drivers, who will then slow down to avoid a ticket.

This is a silly viewpoint. The speed cameras are a proven deterrent.

Less speed will mean less potential for accidents. And less accidents will mean fewer injuries and less grief.

It's worth repeating an old adage - if you don't want to get caught, don't break the law!