WE are writing this because of the increase in crime including theft and arson that has even impacted on friends and relatives.

Violent attacks by strangers are also becoming worryingly common.

Halstead is not a small place – it deserves a full time police presence, and while the officers we have dealt with have been exceptionally helpful, police now have to travel from further away to attend incidents, and the lack of visible police officers and PCSOs seems to be encouraging those considering offending.

This government somewhat laughably claims to be “the party of law and order”, yet crime locally has increased due to the austerity cutbacks, while it seems that there is always plenty of money for foreign wars.

Andrew and Kathy Wainwright

Upper Fenn Road

Halstead