I SEE that North Yorkshire Police are still trying to sell us higher crime figures by using the old chestnut that the figures actually reflect more consistent and robust crime recording practices (The Press, July 21).

In fact, the Police and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan stated the increase should be welcomed as it was due partly to improved reporting.

How can she welcome any increase in crime, no matter what excuse they try?

How many times will they use the change to recording procedures as an excuse, after all it was first used when Robert Peel was pounding the beat?

Now The Press reports (July 23) that the police fitness test figures, which show that more officers took the test than there are in the force, were actually over two training years.

However, no doubt with changes to a more robust and improved recording procedures for the tests it would appear that there will be a 110 per cent pass rate from now on.

Les Coverdale, Elvington, York