Look beyond ratings, it’s a vital service

THERE is no denying that Crimewatch is not the tour de force it once was.

Fifteen years ago, under Nick Ross, it could draw audiences of up to six million while these days it’s doing well to get two million.

As a result, the BBC has decided to pull the plug on the 33-year-old prime-time show and instead focus on the shorter (and cheaper) daytime series, Crimewatch Roadshow.

So, no more major reconstructions and no more breakthroughs thanks to calls from the

NICOLA METHVEN,

public who happened to be watching. As the nation’s public service broadcaster, the BBC knows it has a duty to provide shows that wouldn’t find a home on commercial TV.

This is surely prime among them because what better than helping the police to solve crimes? Without the mass exposure that the BBC can provide a few more criminals will be resting easy in their beds. So maybe instead of pulling the plug on the show – which has aired just three episodes this year – bosses should revamp it, boost the budget and make a full series in a bid to attract more viewers.

Not all shows can command audiences the size of Strictly or Doctor Foster. In an age as crime-ridden as this surely Crimewatch is a show that deserves a platform on BBC One.

Because if not there, then where?