I feel totally let down by Sussex Police and fed-up with their feeble excuses (Opinion, June 22).

I am sorry for inspector Richard Allum, as I am sure he realises he is losing the

battle against crime and the social disorder this country is blighted with.

There are times when police units, such as the scene of crime teams he refers to, are justified, but I wonder if the public realise these units are manned by beat officers, whom I fear are subsequently becoming a dying breed.

Last Saturday morning I walked the length of North Street and Western Road without seeing a single patrolling police officer or police car.

The expression zero tolerance may not have been coined in my serving days but, believe me, that attitude was just as prevalent then.

Senior officers serving would not allow it any other way and rightly so.

I am not complaining about today's officers, as it is very difficult to compare the times, but I do feel sadness at the way policing, not only in Brighton but throughout Sussex, has deteriorated.

I believe it is now doubtful this downward spiral can be reversed. I wish Mr Allum and his colleagues well, but fear they have an uphill struggle before them.

-David Rowland, Harvest Close, Telscombe Cliffs