It can sometimes be difficult for the police to secure a conviction - not because they haven't prepared their case thoroughly but because vital witnesses decide against giving evidence. This can happen when the witnesses feel intimidated - not necessarily by the accused or their supporters (although that, unfortunately, does happen) but by the court procedure.

Anyone unfamiliar with the way a court works can feel very ill-at-ease in such an environment. At worst, it is traumatic and bewildering. Fear of it can deter people from coming forward when they have seen a crime being committed. Yet often their evidence might be the vital key to a conviction being secured and a criminal being dealt with properly.

Witness support already exists via the police's Criminal Justice Support Unit Witness Care Bureau, taking effect from the point where officers find out that a case is likely to proceed at court.

Now the involvement of advisers will start earlier in Bradford, from the moment a crime is witnessed, thanks to the welcome launch of Victim Support's new Street Crime Project which aims to help people who are simply in the wrong place at the wrong time and see a street crime being committed.

There is a tendency, at present, for some to simply walk away to avoid becoming involved. However, knowing that helping hands are there to guide and reassure them and familiarise them with what to expect of the court process could ease their fears and persuade them to tell the police what they have seen and follow things through, leading to more criminals being taken off the streets.