I WAS intrigued to read the report in the Guardian on January 22 'Problems calling police look to be solved with new centre'.

If my own experience is anything to go by the problem is/was a lot worse than admitted by the police.

I suffered two thefts last year from my property in Whitegate. In March, it took a full hour for Northwich control to answer my call after my garage was broken into and a lawnmower stolen. In September when I had another lawnmower stolen, the wait had increased to two hours before I eventually got through.

I also have similar experiences to your correspondent who asked if enough is being done to catch car criminals.

In December 2000, someone stole a garden statue. When I reported it I was told that an officer would call round. Nobody turned up and I merely received a crime number.

When I had my second lawnmower stolen in September 2002, the police originally told me that I would be contacted. When I was not, I was told that it was not policy to visit unless I knew who the thief was. Silly me thinking it was the job of the police to find out! So once again, I just received a crime reference number.

I believe the service I have received from the police was appalling and I suspect that my experience and that of your correspondent is only the tip of an iceberg.

G CARR