Suspicious item

SIR – Last Saturday evening I noticed a lone suitcase, unattended and suspiciously placed, outside a public building near my home.

I thought quite long and hard before dialling 999, as my experience with reporting possible crimes and security issues had hitherto not been very happy.

On this occasion the operator managed to be simultaneously rude, irritating, offensive and discouraging.

She interrupted and talked down to me as though I were a convicted criminal.

She told me – as if I didn’t know – that the local council, not the police, are responsible for clearing rubbish and dumped items from public roads.

I cannot see how this sort of reception encourages people to help enhance public safety.

Roger Juer

London SE1