A front-page article ("PC is beaten up by thugs", November 12) illustrated the dilemma police face when attending calls and the dangers faced when woefully short of adequate resources.

It puts into perspective why police do not always attend 999 calls and, instead, grade them.

I witnessed an assault and attempted robbery in Worthing town centre where the police did not attend a 999 call.

The explanation I received was they had 12 officers to cover 209,000 households that night and had received a lot of 999 calls.

Perhaps the time has come for the late-night pubs and clubs to pay a levy ring-fenced to police resources.

I would also suggest we look at whether a greater contribution of council tax should go to the police, even if it means higher council tax.

If the police cannot be protected, neither can the public.

-Mr C Bryan, Glebeside Avenue, Worthing