Like Jenny Slattery (Letters, May 9), I, too, was amazed when I read the police are saying crime figures are down.

I think the reason is the public now know it's useless trying to report a crime.

They either can't get through on the phone or are left hanging on so they no longer bother to call.

Traffic wardens getting police protection is quite laughable.

What about the public? I can't remember the last time I saw a policeman.

I've come to the conclusion the only way to get them to come to your house is to say you have shot someone - then they will be round in a flash to arrest you.

-Jane Evans, Hove