Bike thefts: police say that they have to pick and choose what they focus on

• YOUR front-page headline (Bike thefts: CNJ turns DIY detective to surprise ‘quick sale’ online seller, August 5), and Comment on bike thefts has the police saying that they have to pick and choose what they focus on.

This is because this month they are busy beyond belief because they did nothing about most of the crime committed last month.

“Crime doesn’t pay”? You cannot be serious. Crime pays and pays well.

If many bikes are turned upside down, at the lowest part of the frame, between the pedal cranks, manufacturers have often stamped into the frame a serial number.

Why are the police rarely, if ever, asking for this number for potential future investigations?

Also it would be useful to stamp into the crossbar or similar the owner’s postcode (easier said than done).

As far as Camden’s top policeman is concerned, we have something of a revolving-door situation.

Assuming the new appointee lasts long enough to see his or her first anniversary, it will be interesting to see if any new ideas come with the job. They are desperately needed.

PETER RUTHERFORD
Pandora Road, NW6