BOBBIES in South Trafford are turning the screw in the war against shop theft.

For crimebusters are now able to push more shoplifting cases forward thanks to the help of a local security company.

It is down to the owners of Hale Barns-based Keyways Security that investigators can convert CCTV footage more easily with the help of new equipment.

And this means that more culprits caught on camera can be brought to justice sooner.

Sergeant Jim Toft from Sale police explains: "The use of CCTV security systems has increased greatly in recent years and as a consequence the amount of evidence in relation to crime has also risen.

"The problem for bobbies is that the evidence captured on CCTV cameras is not recorded on the type of tapes that play on a normal video recorder and that is what is required for court proceedings."

Sgt Toft says that this process of conversion is a time consuming job that could see the investigators looking through reems of film for one incident.

But that has all changed after a chance meeting with Michael Greaves from Keyways.

Sgt Toft goes on: "We were discussing the introduction of more CCTV cameras into Altrincham town centre and I explained how the police need more 'court friendly' video tapes.

"Michael offered the company's services to help out with equipment and training.

"This system is now proving extremely effective and is saving the police a great deal of time.

"It is a generous offer and is an example how many agencies have a part to play to crack crime in the community."