I READ with concern the article entitled "10 Burglaries I just can't take this any more" published on December 7.

As you will appreciate I am unable to discuss individual cases or the circumstances surrounding the reporting of alleged offences to the police.

However, I would like to reassure the residents of Swindon, and in particular those who live on the Pinehurst West estate, that the number of burglaries which Kerryanne Hill has alleged have occurred at her address, is not an accurate and true reflection of the burglary rate in the town.

In the past two years there have been 13 house burglaries on the Pinehurst West estate reported to the police. While we treat every reported burglary seriously, and there is no room for complacency, this figure should reassure any members of the community who have been unduly concerned by the information in the article.

Those unfortunate enough to have their houses burgled receive the full support of officers on the unit as well as being offered the services of Victim Support workers and Crime Prevention officers. The more vulnerable victims are also offered the services of Wiltshire Police's Bobby Scheme, which arranges for basic crime prevention measures to be carried out free of charge.

I am grateful to your paper for regularly drawing attention to the work of the burglary squad and the majority of your readers will no doubt already be aware of the efforts made by officers on the squad to detect dwelling burglaries and our continued efforts to reduce the number of offences committed in the town.

(Sgt) W HALSEY

Wiltshire Constabulary

Swindon Burglary Squad