I would like to address some of the recent comments from your readers regarding the deployment of Traffic Warden Bob Anslow in Liskeard. Since the retirement of Traffic Warden Harris, and the transfer to another post of Traffic Warden Stribley at the beginning of the summer, Patrol and Neighbourhood Constables in Liskeard have tried to maintain some degree of order in relation to vehicles parking in Liskeard town. This has been on top of the community's priority that we crack down on violet crime, dwelling burglaries and vehicle crime. During this period the Liskeard and Looe Sector have successfully reduced violet crime, vehicle crime and domestic burglary to below the very challenging targets set by the Chief Constable and Home Office. Through a process of targeting prolific and problem offenders, my officers with the support of the local CID team and Targeted Policing team have reduced the number of offences occurring in the Liskeard and Looe Sector by 199 crimes over the same period last year. The Sector has the second highest detection rate for all crimes committed when measured against the other 36 Sectors across the Force. The Sector also has the second highest detection rate for violent crime in the Force. I am pleased to say that the recruitment of Bob Anslow now allows the Sector to address vigorously the complaints I continue to receive about vehicle obstructions and inconsiderate parking by motorists. On a weekly basis I had been receiving letters of complaints from bus and coach companies as well as our local taxi drivers, relating to members of the community parking in designated bays or taxi ranks. Since Bob started his foot patrols in the town, I have received letters of thanks and acknowledgement for the work he has been undertaking. To those drivers who choose to park on double yellow lines, bus bays or in taxi ranks, "Expect to get a ticket". Caradon District Council provide ample parking in a number of car parks around the town, which also includes provision for disabled parking. Bob will continue to use his discretion and ensure that the traffic flows freely in the town. This week I also received two complaints about police vehicles parking in the bus bay in the Parade. As a rule police officers do not park police vehicles in contravention of the local parking restrictions. However, it has been necessary in the last two weeks for officers attending emergency incidents to do so. In one incident a man was arrested at a local bank. He was wanted in connection with offences across the whole of the West Country. In the other incident a Neighbourhood Beat Manager, on his way back from his neighbourhood in St Cleer, responded to a personal attack alarm at a local shop. I am sure your readers will understand that in order to respond as quickly as possible parking in the bus bay was the only option possible. I would like to close with the thought that a few pence in a car park machine can save pounds against a Fixed Penalty Ticket and our roads stay clear and safer.

J TURNER Sector Inspector Liskeard and Looe, Devon & Cornwall Constabulary