THE recently-reported comments of the Lord Chief Justice concerning sentencing policy of burglars merit a considered response on behalf of the public of York.

We have improved our performance this year in respect of the investigation of house burglaries, and seek to maintain this and build upon it.

As previously reported in your paper, recent sentences from the Crown Court reflect the distress that house burglars bring to their victims.

It would be wrong to suggest that house burglary is anything other than a serious offence for those victims and for the fear of crime it can create.

I can assure your readers that we will continue to rigorously investigate house burglaries and arrest suspects wherever possible.

Det Sgt Steve Smith,

York burglary team,

Fulford Road Police Station,

York.

...THE new-style community police officers will be the best Christmas box this city can receive for next year.

However, I would hope that the police on cycles will be kept on as they have been an added bonus to areas without access for cars and the cyclists were able to apprehend many a runner whether down a back lane, snicket or similar.

Keith Chapman,

Custance Walk,

St Benedict Road,

York.

Updated: 09:31 Saturday, December 28, 2002