NOWADAYS we get to hear about many people’s insecurities.

They worry about police numbers being cut back and less ‘Bobbies’ patrolling our streets.

There is also another frightening threat of terrorism on our streets and in our towns and cities from way back from the seventies to today.

Yet, I believe we are far more protected now than we ever have been.

CCTV has taken on a major role throughout our areas via streets, shopping centres and commercial businesses. Many private homes have CCTV. Also in cars, on buses and with many carrying personal video either on their body or with their mobile phones.

We have far more vigilance today than we have ever had.

Yet there is still one very important security ingredient missing.

It’s us. The general public. There are far more of us than any police force, special armed forces and even MI5. Whether we belong in a town, city, residence or even community – it is up to us all to be far more vigilant to protect our fellow neighbours and not just rely solely on those employed to protect us.

In fact, We could all police our neighbourhood and if we witness anything suspicious – don’t just ignore it - report it to those who can do something about it.

They need us just as much as we need them.

CHRISTINE PETERS

Wellington Road, Bournemouth