IT should be pointed out to Chief Constable Cannings that some of us who "just sit at home writing letters of complaint to their local press" do not do just that ("Don't slate us, join us, says police chief", February 20).

I have been out on my local streets keeping the unruly youngsters from smashing my neighbours' windows.

Like many of the other contributors, I would not be considered as a Special Constable due to age or fitness, so we do what we can.

Ms Cannings may not realise this, but if others got off their backsides and patrolled the streets, instead of sitting in warm vehicles all day, there would be less of a problem with the behaviour of the few.

Jeremy Banyard,

Bramham Grove,

Acomb, York.

Updated: 10:13 Tuesday, February 24, 2004