Film makers wanted to stage scenes of anti-social behaviour in Croxley Green for the Police Crime Commissioner television advert but were turned down because a councillor feared it would undermine the area’s low-crime reputation.

Councillor Roger Seabourne, community safety portfolio holder for Three Rivers District Council, revealed he and fellow Croxley Green representatives were approached in early September about the possibility of allowing a company working on behalf of the Home Office to erect a mock bus stop for actors to vandalise.

Councillor Seabourne told council colleagues at last night’s council meeting that he vetoed the request.

He said: "A film company commissioned by the Home Office approached us in early September, they wanted to film kids smashing up a bus stop.

"We have spent years getting crime levels to the lowest in the county so I was disappointed to learn our safer communities fund had been slashed while they decide to spend millions on these elections.

"I also feel that if you have to advertise by fear the idea you are trying to sell is not a good one."