IN the week when more police cuts were announced, the value of bobbies on the beat could not be more exemplified by the traumatic experience of Harish Modhvadiya.

The Premier Food shop manager in Grove was viciously beaten by a gang of youths. For months, the 31-year-old had raised concerns about teenagers loitering outside his store.

While the crime may have appeared low level – underage drinking and smoking and other antisocial behaviour – Mr Modhvadiya was right to be concerned.

His customers were being harassed while he tried to run a business.

Beaten and bruised, he now worries for the shop’s future should anything like this happen again. A year ago it was a different story according to the shopkeeper, with neighbourhood patrols coming round regularly. One has to wonder if others are experiencing a similar story across the county.

Thames Valley Police had to deal with Government cuts and has done better than many in keeping frontline staff.

But at a time when there is more pressure than ever on resources, residents need to feel like they have not been abandoned. They need to know officers will investigate incidents of antisocial behaviour, disperse gang of youths if necessary and seek ASBOs.

Our top stories