Sussex Police really are taking advantage of the public-spirited members of the

community to offset their inability to manage their own finances and manpower. It is also a shame their media statements often contradict their actions.

On Christmas Day, I was walking up Queensbury Mews, Brighton, at 4.55pm when I noticed a front door wide open. I knocked, shouted into the house and entered when there was no reply.

I briefly looked in each room in case the occupier had fallen asleep or worse. I dialled 999 at 5pm in case it had been a burglary and the police informed me they would send a car. I remained at the front door and redialled 999 20 minutes later and was informed a car was on the way.

Another 20 minutes later, I again dialled 999 and was informed the car had been diverted to an incident of greater importance and it was unknown when another vehicle would be dispatched as all resources were fully committed.

When I informed the police operator, Mr Cheeseman, that I had been acting as an unpaid guardian for almost an hour and my own time was also fully committed, he told me to leave the property with the front door open and go home.

I was disgusted by this attitude and spoke to a supervisor, who reiterated the operator's excuse of insufficient officers on duty. When I suggested they called in officers with rank and responsibilities, she replied, "They didn't have enough money to pay over-time rates." I suggested she called in the Police Specials, to which she said, "Nobody would volunteer to work for free on Christmas Day."

Strange how this has been my first Christmas off after many years of doing unpaid voluntary work on Christmas Day. I even started to say there may be blood on the floor, in an attempt to get a response, but I couldn't continue with that blatant lie.

So, has someone been abducted from Queensbury Mews or was the house burgled? I suspect the only way the occupiers will be aware something unusual occurred will be when I post a copy of this letter through their letter-box. I doubt the police will attend. I did leave the house secure, albeit 55 minutes after first arriving and standing outside in the cold.

Assist the police in reducing crime? Do me a favour. Do you feel safe in Brighton and Hove? I suggest you re-evaluate your thoughts.

-Terry Wing, Regency Square, Brighton