Over in Hull this week, a development started which will affect us all. The much anticipated and some what controversial building project will see �60Million spent on a new headquarters building, replacing the current headquarters in Queens Garden. This has caused concern amongst residents in Scunthorpe which comes under the Humberside force following recent announcements in a reduction in funding for police staff. At a time that the force is facing a significant short fall in funding for fighting crime, its felt by many that it is an inappropriate use of public funds, and that instead of capital investment in new buildings, more funds should be made available for fighting crime. We recently reported on concerns raised by councillors regarding police funding, and while reported crime in the area has reduced over the last 12 months there is significant concern that any reduction in the level of community policing could easily see crime rates rising. Local Community Sergeant, James Main reported only this week on his twitter feed of the danger of sneak thieves due to doors and windows being left open in the hot weather. He told followers of the importance of ensuring that windows and doors are closed in vacant rooms despite the current soaring temperatures. We do seem to have been very lucky with our crime levels over the last 12 months, but we have been fortunate that around the Scunthorpe area there do seem to have been more bobbies on the beat than perhaps 2 or 3 years ago. This proactive approach to community crime prevention may be the reason for this reduction, lets just hope with the funding cuts faced by the police and the inevitable reduction in front line patrols that crime rates do not rise.