At a time when it is becoming increasingly common to hear of a shortage in police numbers, it was a relief to be able to read that in Staines, at least, the war against crime looks set to be given a boost ('Re-shaped police force ambitious', Dec 6).

Spelthorne Chief Inspector Guy Darby states that instead of having just 130 uniformed officers, he will have access to 300. And he looks forward to being able to specialist and concentrate on key fields.

A good place to start, in my opinion, would be with the youths who regularly congregate on street corners in Stanwell, constantly making life a misery for passers-by with their intimidating comments and threatening behaviour.

The shops, in particular, are not to be approached at night, while certain roads, such as Elizabethan Way, have become stomping grounds for restless groups who take their frustrations out on anyone or anything they can find.

I know of several pensioners living in that neighbourhood who dare not leave their homes for fear of what might happen. Stones have been thrown at windows, hedges have been trampled on and used as trampolines and footpaths are now the domain of tearaway cyclists.

And the elderly are not alone. Motorists constantly risk vandalism to their vehicles when they leave their cars parked at night. A popular 'sport' of the moment appears to be ripping off wing-mirrors. I have had mine damaged on at least two occasions both of which involved the side facing the pavement.

It is time something was done to stop this youth culture before someone really gets hurt. We should not be living in fear in our own neighbourhood.

It will come as little surprise that I should want my name and address withheld.

Name and address supplied