A GRITTY advertisement highlighting the dangers of ignoring crime are due be shown on cinema screens across Worcestershire.

Crimestoppers Trust is to show it on Friday, August 15, alongside the film American Pie - The Wedding.

The short film, Crossing the Line, aims to portray teenagers' often relaxed attitude towards crime.

It features a group of teenagers in a city dismissing crime by saying: "Everybody does a little bit, but it don't mean we're bad!"

But however desensitised they may be to what they see as everyday misdemeanours, when it comes to serious or violent crime, they are far from immune.

The film highlights their feelings of powerlessness to stop it. The characters say: "There's nothing we can do... nothing!"

Although Crimestoppers admits the advert may seem shocking to some cinemagoers, it is aimed at teenagers, who are often hard to reach.

"Crossing the Line brings home the message that there is something they can do," said a Crimestoppers spokesman.

"Crimestoppers is a charity and by phoning the 0800 555111 freephone number, they can anonymously report criminals and play their part in creating a safer world."

Crossing the Line will carry an 18 certificate while its companion advert, Where I Come From, will carry a 12 (A) certificate.