I HAVE been robbed of two ride-on lawnmowers.

On Saturday night I thwarted an attempt to steal my new mower. While making a quick exit, the thieves misjudged the depth of the boundary gutter and damaged their vehicle leaving behind part of the bumper and a recognisable tyre tread mark.

Next morning I rang police headquarters at 9am and could get no reply. I again tried at 10.30am with the same result. In desperation I rang the local police at Hovingham where a woman answered and put me through to a police crime report section, but this too only responded with a ringing tone.

It would appear the 40 per cent increase in the amount the police added to our local council tax has very little to do with efficiency and more to do with updating of police salaries and pension obligations.

The county council should review its Watch Committee to see if a more aggressive attitude is called for in supervising our police service.

F G Leadley,

Easingwold Road,

Stillington, York.

Updated: 12:04 Friday, June 06, 2003