OUR communities are, by and large, pretty safe places to live.

Compared with the conditions faced by some people across the UK, Worcestershire and Herefordshire are bastions of law and order.

That is not to say we are crime-free - every community has its problems.

But, West Mercia Constabulary has a good record when compared to other forces across the country.

The latest figures show crime in South Worcestershire, for example, is down and detection rates are up on last year.

Our cities, towns and villages are, generally, safe places to live.

But then something like the incident reported on today's front page occurs - and hits you like a slap in the face.

A child being dragged down the street by a man in a Hallowe'en costume sounds more like something out of a horror movie than an actual incident on the streets of Worcester.

We are just thankful that, in this incident, the child was able to escape relatively unharmed.

Of course, we cannot expect the police to be on hand to prevent every opportunist crime.

A man who is willing to attempt such an attack, in broad daylight, near a school, could strike at any time.

What we can do is ensure our own children are safe - and aware of the dangers on the streets.

Parents, teachers and carers must all reinforce basic safety rules for vulnerable youngsters - and limit the opportunities for this type of evil act.