POLICE have expressed concern the use of shop window shutters in the town centre could increase people's fear of crime.

Police were asked for their views on shutters across shop windows during a town centre partnership meeting.

Sgt Roger Thatcher, of Redditch police and the partnership, said: "We have concerns about shutters in shop fronts, particularly in the town centre.

"We do believe in a way they increase fear of crime."

Sgt Thatcher said the shutters indicated there was a problem and people might feel they should stay away but also took away light given out from the shops.

He said shutters had a place in respect of security but other measures could be looked at to stop break-ins or vandalism, such as moving stock out of sight.

He added: "I have a number of issues with shutters in Church Green and I have concerns about the sort of message that it gives about the town centre."