EAST Lancashire MP Nigel Evans obviously knows what he is talking about when he calls for more policing to protect small shopkeepers from violent criminals.

As the owner of a convenience store he himself became a victim of assault by a thief who attacked him there.

But it is not just his own grim experience that adds weight to Mr Evans' words in a special House of Commons debate.

For, as he told MPs, a survey by the Newsagents' Federation has revealed increased fear of crime in his Ribble Valley constituency and in neighbouring Blackburn -- to the extent that even village shopkeepers are afraid of attack.

Nor is that fear exaggerated -- not when, as he disclosed, attacks on small shops rose by a shocking 40 per cent to 20,000 between 2000 and 2001. The figures for last year, due soon, are expected to show a further increase.

Put simply, extra crime demands extra policing. And, as Mr Evans rightly demands, tougher prison sentences for offenders.

But while, with limited resources, police cannot be expected to provide blanket cover for one sector of community, the government would do well to do as he urges.

This also means giving greater protection to vulnerable small shopkeepers by providing more closed-circuit TV systems and financial help towards security equipment such as shutters.