I WAS amused to read Coun Brian Ford trying to defend crime-ridden Swindon by saying: "Part of the problem is that reporting of crimes by the media makes people think there is more of it than years ago, but this is not true."

Who is he trying to fool? Years ago we could leave our doors open without fear.

And years ago we never heard of drug-related stabbings, or drive-by shootings, all of which would have been eagerly printed by the media of that day.

And yes, the reporting of crime does make the public think, and quite rightly so.

Is he so naive not to know not all crimes are released by the police to the media for fear of mass hysteria by the public, who are already demanding action.

No Mr Ford, Swindon is NOT a safe place to be, despite all the juggling of crime statistics.

And until we pull inspectors from behind desks and put them on a beat patrol, things will get even worse.

BW BREAKSPEAR

Deburgh Street Swindon