I read the article 'Clock a PC any time you want' (The Argus, April 10) with interest.

I am not about to criticise any effective efforts to reduce crime. I would like to comment that we are all victims of the police's change of directions.

There used to be a police presence on the streets and it was taken for granted.

Similarly, there were small, manned police stations in many places until the change of direction.

One only has to look at the coffee bar in Norfolk Square for an example of an old, manned station. I feel sure this can be mirrored in other places throughout the country.

I think a police presence is very welcome and should be a permanent feature of the streets.

They might also help to keep motor vehicles off the pavements and also the selfish, thoughtless bicycle riders.

In many other countries, the street presence of the police is a great deal more than here.

I do not think the people there resent their presence.

-Paul Mitchell, paul.mitchell@southdowns.nhs.uk