POLICE action is being stepped up in Broadway following the story in last week's Journal about the rise in crime.

A meeting took place in the village last Friday between police chiefs and villagers to assure them that extra resources were being brought in to combat the latest trend.

Over the last few months the village had been hit by a number of burglaries, a ram-raid and car vandalism.

Sgt Paul Crumpton said: "It was a very positive meeting attended by Inspector Steve Brooker, some traders and Broadway's parish clerk, Eddie Vickers.

"We gave them assurances that we will maintain a higher police presence until we have dealt with the current situation."

Sgt Crumpton explained that two officers were now attached to Broadway police station which was manned by volunteers from 10am until 4pm each weekday. Villagers could pop in between these times for help and advice, or ring Sgt Crumpton direct on 08457 444 888. Emergencies should still be reported to the police on 999, he said.

Parish councillor and trader Nigel Robinson said: "We had a good meeting last Friday and we saw more policemen in the village which is very reassuring." Sgt Crumpton said arrests were likely to be made by the end of this week following the attack on the Indian restaurant and an incident at the Co-op shop in the village.