A couple who tackled a burglar at their home expected police to treat their call as an emergency.

But they had to let the drug-crazed thief go after Brighton police took 20 minutes to arrive, even though it was not at a peak time.

It's not the first time police have been criticised in the city for failing to treat serious crime as a serious matter.

Everyone knows that the police have a tough job and must treat some jobs as more urgent than others.

But in most people's view, catching a burglar red handed and waiting for him to be arrested rates a high priority response.

Police are looking at the reasons for the delay. They had better come up with a convincing answer for an apology for the public they serve to have faith in them.