Pointless police call

Sir, – I notice over the past couple of days there have been letters criticising the effectiveness (or not) of Police Scotland.

Let me give you my experience: 19 days ago I picked up a new (to me) car. Brought it home and parked it on the road opposite my house.

Within 30 hours (the vehicle had not moved) there was damage to the rear bumper

– no note left, no contact. I suspected the vehicle parked behind as there was also damage to that. Call to police (recorded message – VERY busy, wait times etc – Tuesday 7.30pm is hardly peak time?).

Upshot – “we’ll get back to you”. I’m still waiting 18 days later. The suspect has been washed and polished, meaning, I presume, that any meaningful investigation is not possible.

Unofficially, I’ve been told “no witness, no crime”. Surely this is encouraging vigilante action in respect of the inability of the police to perform their primary function?

Two emails to Chief Constable Livingstone have only amounted to a referral to “Police Standards Dept” who I’ve yet to hear from. I have asked for details of how to withhold funding from taxes for the funding of Police Scotland – why should I throw money away on a pointless, useless organisation that is unable/unwilling to perform its most basic function – I’d far rather my money went to a charity of my own choosing.

I do not blame the “beat bobbies” (are there actually any left?) but an inefficient, uncaring, useless system which was badly thought out and poorly constructed.

Graeme Stewart, Bouprie Rise,

Dalgety Bay.