Re: 'Proof We Have Too Few Police' (News Shopper, November 14). A few weeks ago, during a party in Biggin Hill, police were called to an incident.

Two lads had left the party and had driven off in a car. Within minutes the car had smashed into two or three parked vehicles.

The passenger ran away from the scene followed by some angry residents and a police car.

The officer apprehended the boy outside the property where the party was being held but before long, other revellers started to spill out onto the street, all swilling out of bottles.

The policeman was alone with about 20 to 30 youths around him. A resident dialled 999 and was told all spare units were on their way. One police car with one officer turned up. But what would have happened if the youths had turned nasty?

How on earth could one or two police officers be expected to remain in control of that type of situation?

Yes, let's close the police station. Biggin Hill seems to be a forgotten town, a sleepy hollow where nothing ever happens. Well, come and look at the vandalism, come and look at the dumped/burnt-out cars. Visit on Friday/Saturday nights and see the kids spaced out on drugs and drink.

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December 5, 2001 02:06