Following the article in The Argus (July 21) "Traders issue tax threat", it is not only traders who are victims of violence and anti-social behaviour.

Residents are also annoyed at the police's attitude towards crime.

On Sunday evening, during a violent disturbance outside our homes in Dorset Gardens, off St James's Street, we dialled 999 to report an individual who was vandalising parked cars by kicking and punching as many as possible and attacking anyone who intervened.

When police finally arrived, they tried to calm him and suggested if he did not stop swearing he would be arrested.

No mention of the thousands of pounds worth of vandalism caused.

So it comes as no surprise to me that Chief Inspector Lisa Pearcey suggests there has been no increase in crime in St James's Street.

When crime is committed, it is ignored.

-M Beard, Brighton