concerning recent attacks on women in the Brighton area and a subsequent reward offer of £5,000 for information, I could not help but wonder whether the police were of the belief that catching criminals was the responsibility of the public.

In October last year, living in flats occupied by male tenants, I was sexually harassed and threatened on a few occasions, so I took the decision to phone 999.

I was asked for the details and was then told that it did not warrant immediate action, even though this person was living in the building and could return at any time.

Five hours later, there was still no sign of the police, so I telephoned again and was told that I was still in the system, but they could not give me a time.

At 12.30am two officers arrived and I explained the problem to which the male officer told me that as it was now quiet and the abuser was sleeping off the alcohol, it was better to leave him alone.

That visit was never made and the abuser got away with it.

If we are to feel safe in the first place, we need to know as individuals that there is a system in place that is reliable and not there only after the event.

-Name and address supplied