I was, of course, horrified to read about Mr Brabbs (The laughing policemen? Croydon Guardian, May 17).

I certainly believe that the victims were right to hand over the cash.

Advice has always been given to people to hand over cash as trying to stick up for oneself always carries the risk of being hurt, often severely.

As far as the police involved in this incident are concerned, it would appear that they behaved extremely badly and should be reprimanded for their actions.

However, this should never be used as an excuse to criticise our police in the borough, as we have a wonderful force here.

As a neighbourhood watch coordinator who has had contact with police in Croydon, Selsdon, Sanderstead and South Norwood, I can only say that they have always behaved impeccably.

Every 999 call has been dealt with extremely quickly and there have been many arrests.

Our police work extremely hard and often for long hours.

They have to deal with very nasty incidents and put their lives at risk to help us.

Yet time and time again they come under criticism from people who are incapable of thanking them for all the good they do and expect them to be everywhere at the same time, all the time.

Instead of criticising our wonderful police force why do these people not put some energy into forming their own neighbourhood watch schemes and help the police?

Anne P Giles
Osprey Gardens
South Croydon