A year or two back, we were a trifle surprised to find that police in Belarus sometimes ride Minsk's city streets on tractors. It might seem like a habit that indicates the rural roots of the police, but evidently it has a streak of good sense - for the tractors are used to tow away cars that have infringed the parking regulations. Now comes news from neighbouring Russia of another innovation in community policing.

Of cats and creeds: an Exeter essay
In Exeter, the great Gothic cathedral certainly helps define the Devon city. But Exeter is also characterised by the threads of faith that criss-cross the city. We follow the call to prayer and make a pilgrimage through Exeter, along the way ...