IN the same week that we learn Worcester's spy cameras are set for a major upgrade, news reaches us that 20 more speed traps are on the way.

This is how it works. Motorists are caught, fined... and the money is ploughed back into more equipment.

These catch more drivers, who go on to finance even more cameras.

The whole process knows no limit. It is perfectly possible to go on reproducing into infinity. Think rabbits.

With CCTV, courts can watch Worcester's finest vomiting and kicking each other to pieces of a Saturday night.

If it's crown court, the judge says something suitably stern before the culprit is dealt with... and then moves on to the next video nasty.

Those in favour of spy cameras talk glibly about reducing the fear of crime, as if the idea of being filmed puts people off doing disgusting deeds. Really? Tell that to the cast of Big Brother.

I don't believe for one single moment that such measures cut crime. The only way to do that is to get police out of their offices and cars, and back on the beat.

It is nothing short of outrageous that you can walk across Worcester on any day of the week and never see a single copper.

The public pays for this service. Let's see some real value for a change - not gadgetry.