I AM writing in reply to your main headline (March 11), 'Police back dual approach to crime'.

I was very surprised to read that residents 'who have registered for the scheme contact the police quickly and easily for help to prevent or solve crime.

Although it is something that many have suspected, it would seem that there is some truth in the idea that there is a 'two-tier' system when it comes to policing in Devon and Cornwall.

I sympathise with anyone who has suffered from crime, but under the, (false), impression that all members of the public were treated the same.

This said, how can certain people have 'quick and easy help to prevent or solve crimes' if they register and those that do not (but have still paid the same taxes for this public service), have to put up with the patchy service the rest of the public get?

I would be very interested to find out how this is going to work. Where are all the extra police going to come from when the police seem unable to spare the time, or 'manpower,' to competently enforce the laws, or investigate the crimes that are already committed in the area?

Are the 'registered' people going to take priority over the unregistered population? Or maybe this is just more empty words to make the public feel the police are doing something.

R Street

Saddlers Way

Okehampton