I CAN only sympathise with the poor people waiting for police assistance (Police 999 calls anger, July 31) having myself caught a thief, called 999, waited and waited, eventually calling York Police Station for some assistance.

What am I to do, maybe make the guy a cup of tea while we are waiting? I am sure the thief won't mind waiting. I am sure if residents took the law into their own hands the police would be on to them like a ton of bricks. Remind me, who is the law serving once again?

R D Watson,

Elmfield Terrace,

Malton Road,

York.

...WE have to admit the way forward could be the private security firms that are working in close contact with the police and are now accepted by the police as an alternative. Some response is better than what we have at the moment, those committing crime must be laughing their socks off.

It's amazing. A new control room and not able to cope. The old system was better. Having technology is brilliant, but we forget manning it costs money and this is one aspect of it that is never considered. At least when you call 999 the call is free; you try to use the system to report an incident and that call costs you when waiting to be answered while on the so called stacking system.

Keith Chapman,

Custance Walk,

Nunnery Lane,

York.

Updated: 09:34 Saturday, August 03, 2002