On a recent visit to Brighton I was astonished to see a CCTV vehicle and five police and community support officers blowing up balloons and handing out lollipops outside a supermarket.

This charade was to make people aware of shoplifting and handbag theft.

People are aware, as a shopkeeper who recently detained a shoplifter and was told no police were available will verify.

Obviously they are available to play Father Christmas so what message does this send out to the public?

M Venour, Southon Close, Portslade