Thank you for printing the letter from a "professional burglar" (The Argus, October 27, 2004).

This gave victims of ongoing burglaries a greater insight into the minds of those who repeatedly steal from elderly and disabled people to fund their slick lifestyles.

Two weeks ago, Southern Counties Radio reported a scheme operated by Surrey Police, whereby retired detectives take evidence from burlgary victims where no outward sighs of entry are to be found, although there is plenty of damage inside where the theft has occurred.

Sussex Police should adopt an urgent plan, similar to the one used by Surrey Police, if they seriously wish to catch the burglars who pray on vulnerable people, especially elderly and or disabled women, where there is damage to and loss of much-needed belongings, such as household goods, blankets, pillows, cushions and clothes, besides more costly items systematically taken by these thieves.

The evidence obtained from victims of "petty crime" could prevent more serious crimes from being committed, even those which sometimes result in murder, whether of the intruder or the resident of the burgled property.

I pay my council tax to help fund the police force, most of which does a good job safeguarding local residents and their property, despite their enforced load of paperwork.

A scheme similar to that used by Surrey Police could lighten the load for Sussex Police.

-Name and address supplied