I REFER to your September 5 issue in which Councillor Kate Crawford stated in the article headlined 'Residents demand more bobbies': "I'm not happy with what the community support officers are doing.I've asked them to cover various walks in the area and if people aren't seeing them I want to know why".

As the Ppolice sergeant responsible for the professional team that covers the East Acton ward in question, I must admit I was slightly taken aback by her comments.

It is important to note that East Acton is the largest ward in the borough, covering from The Vale W3 to North Acton Lane.My team, which covers this vast area, does so on foot and by bike to optimise our 40-hour weekly presence.

A significant percentage of this patrolling time is during daylight hours, when many of our community are away from the ward earning a living, a vulnerable time for all UK households and communities.

It is understandable then that some people,like Councillor Crawford,may not regularly see our patrols.

However, to ensure that we have as close a relationship as possible with the full depth and breadth of our community we also work regularly until midnight at weekends.

I am proud to say that in the last 12 months the community officers have received nine commendations for arresting burglars and detaining suspects wanted for serious violent attacks.

Our record speaks for itself. May I take this opportunity to extend again an invitation to Councillor Crawford to join up with the team for a patrol of her ward?

She is aware that this is an open invitation and has been offered a number of times.

The last invitation was to under-take a tour on September 5, 2008, the very day your article was published.

I am sorry to say the councillor again did not join our tour.

DOMINIC TARRANT

Police Sergeant East Acton ward