EVERY month, the TV programme Crimewatch supports the efforts of police forces across the country in tracking down serious criminals. Often it plays a key role in bringing offenders to justice.

We would never seek to under-estimate its record of success, nor its popularity with the public.

But we doubt the wisdom of the unerring faith placed in the programme by some police, to such an extent that potential help from other media is overlooked.

We wish Northumbria Police every success in its appeal for help in finding the killers of Peter Beaumont-Gowling, to be screened on Crimewatch tonight.

While it may be in the interests of Crimewatch's viewing figures to have exclusive security camera footage of the suspected killers, it is not in the public's interest.

This newspaper, and others like it in the region, supports police in their endeavours to solve crimes every single day of the year; not just 12 hours a year like Crimewatch.

Our success rate may not attain the national profile and acclaim of Crimewatch, but it is commendable, nonetheless.

Why was this footage not released to newspapers and television stations in the region where the shooting took place, as soon as it was discovered by detectives?

We highlight this issue, not in a fit of pique because we have been beaten to a story, but because of the serious concerns raised by such police practices.

To shield a vital piece of information from the wider media until Crimewatch is broadcast has risked leaving cold-blooded murderers at large for longer than perhaps is necessary.

The delay may even make the difference between the killers being caught and them escaping arrest.

The police will find it difficult to justify such a calculated gamble.

A new dawn for British motoring?

WHEN it was conceived, the Mini was an icon of British innovation and engineering.

When production ended, it appeared to signal the end of an era for the British motor industry.

It is great to see the Mini make a triumphant return to the motoring scene under the guidance of the new-look Rover group. We hope it heralds the dawn of a new era for British manufacturing.