POLICE patrols are being stepped up in Bewdley thanks to an influx of new officers.

Town beat manager PC Nigel Barter said more high-visibility "bobbies on the beat" would help to prevent crime - rather than police having to solve it.

And the extra manpower will give Mr Barter, who has become a familiar face on town streets in his two years in the role, the chance to sit back and plan "targeted patrols" in rural areas around Bewdley such as Rock and Far Forest.

In addition to a sergeant who came to Bewdley Police Station to work alongside Mr Barter last year, three new PCs have arrived - and at least one more is in the pipeline.

Mr Barter stressed there has always been a presence at the station but added the new additions brought manpower up to a level not seen in Bewdley for 12 months.

"My role will now become more strategic, while there will be more foot patrols," he said.

Mr Barter, who said public feedback had already been positive, will now spend more time in his office and working on long-term projects such as bringing a skateboard park and CCTV to Bewdley under the Opportunity Bewdley initiative.

He also makes regular well-received visits to the town's high and middle schools.

And he will spend more time planning how to provide a visible police presence in rural areas.

Mr Barter added that in keeping with the district trend Bewdley had enjoyed a peaceful New Year, although there had been "one or two problems" around parties being held on the Friday before Christmas.

However, no arrests had been made.