A BEAT manager will be policing the streets of Wythall as early as next Saturday, it has been revealed, writes Matt Smith.

The new beat manager will be Pc Paul Twentyman who will start back on the beat on March 3 covering Hopwood, Alvechurch, Rowney Green and Hollywood.

Redditch police have decided to release officers that have been office bound back on to the beat and replace their existing jobs with trained civilians.

With nearly 25 years of experience behind him Paul will be returning to his own stamping ground in Wythall, as for the last year he has been office bound as a call manager in public services.

Pc Twentyman said: "I've been office bound for just over a year now and it's good to be back based in the community. I'm looking forward to the job.

"I will be maintaining contact with all community groups, parish councils and local schools all in an effort to reduce crime, disorder and community problems on a long term basis."

The news comes after Wythall Parish Councillors revealed reports of a massive 43 per cent reduction in the number of burglaries in the town over the past two years.

And half of all the burglaries now happen to homes with unsecured windows and doors.

Parish Councillors at the full meeting welcomed the new beat manager claiming it would be better for the residents of Wythall if more police presence were seen in the town and would be meeting with the new bobby at the earliest opportunity.